Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
