Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has admitted defeat against Burnley would have left him “in the bacon slicer” with his critics.

But the manager insisted there is no rift with chairman Steve Morgan over ‘McCarthygate.’

McCarthy admits making 10 changes at Manchester United could have been career-defining, after his decision irritated Morgan.

But the Molineux chief is now anxious to now draw a line under the affair.

He said: “I spoke to Steve on Monday. There’s no problem – not at all. He was delighted driving home up the A41 after the win – it made it a short journey home for him on Sunday. Seasons and careers are defined by decisions I make and what I do.

“Sometimes I have to make brave and courageous decisions – some that people don’t particularly like – but right decisions in my mind.

“I knew what I was doing was right, whatever the outcome of the game. But I also know in doing it, my backside was back in the bacon slicer.

“Had we not won, they would have been having me for breakfast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Only a win makes you turn out to be right – although some people still say I was wrong.

“If I’d lost I’d still have said I was right but winning definitely makes it the right decision. The players knew it was right and they responded in kind.”

McCarthy also lifted the lid on the pitchside meeting after the 2-0 win against Burnley that silenced his critics.

He said: “I told them ‘well done, but there’s only us that will do it – I don’t want you listening to outside influences because we can’t rely on them.’

“What they get here is good advice, good nutrition and good training – it’s a good place.

“I trust them and they trust me and the staff and that’s important because without it, I’m knackered.

“What’s happened has shown just how much they believe and trust in what we’re doing and the performance against Burnley was terrific.”