Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured 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 expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of 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."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
