Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
