Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, 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 offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
