Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
