Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain 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 communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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.
