Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
