Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase 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 among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
