Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
