Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. 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 positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
