Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
