Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories 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, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
