Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot 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.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
