Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
