Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper 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 following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"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 Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
