Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
