Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
