Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
