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When you cannot win, don't lose - as the proverb states.

Prior to their trip to Nottingham Forest, Man Utd had secured only 8 points from losing positions under their manager. They had not got any from the previous six games when they trailed since the trip to Bournemouth last April, when a last-minute effort secured a draw.

When they found themselves trailing at the City Ground after conceding two goals in a couple of minutes, as Forest reversed a contentious opening period goal, United were in serious trouble.

The inquiry to the manager after his side fought back to draw could not have been more direct.

Had that match occurred the previous campaign, do you feel you would have lost it?'

The response was just as forceful.

"Absolutely, and by more goals, that is my feeling."

We can never know the actual outcome. However, we do know that Amad Diallo showed why Amorim picks him at defensive wing by flashing home a spectacular volleyed strike from just outside the box late in the game to earn a point.

It has been obvious since the start of the campaign that Manchester United are performing at a higher level this term. Since the start of October, they have also been achieving more positive outcomes.

The determination, the will, the refusal to give in are intangibles.

In this match, Amorim felt his squad demonstrated they have improved at that as well.

"Previously, if we had this kind of bad five minutes and we conceded two goals, we don't recover," stated Amorim. "Now is a different sensation. You can sense we might not triumph in this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And this represents a mindset a major club occasionally has to have."

Amorim didn't mention it, but the arrival of the Brazilian forward and Bryan Mbeumo probably made a difference.

Cunha is not one to shy away from challenging circumstances, quite the reverse indeed. In the first half, when he was booed by the local supporters for what they believed was his gamesmanship, he responded - instead of ignoring them - pointing to the crest on his kit.

The forward is a energetic nuisance, the epitome of a player who will not give an opponent any rest.

Amorim was questioned exactly what had caused the psychological growth. Beyond saying the confidence gained from the previous three consecutive victories, he didn't really give an explanation.

"The confidence, naturally, is totally different," he stated. "We came from three good games and we have a different assurance. The players comprehend one another more effectively. We communicate increased about these aspects.

"We proved this season we can have bad moments but suddenly, we produce three strong performances.

"We just need to remain engaged in the match until the final 10 minutes. Previously, we could have lost everything based on how we performed in the encounter. Now, the feeling was different."

Doubt Remains Over Prospects of Zirkzee and the midfielder

If this was a day when United showed their fighting spirit, it was additionally a moment that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo increasingly uncertain of their roles in the manager's new-look Manchester United.

In his pre-match media briefing, Amorim stated it was possible players who believe they are at risk of missing the World Cup will request transfers in the January signing period.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and the midfielder fall into that category. Zirkzee has managed 82 minutes from his 4 top-flight substitute appearances in the current campaign. For Mainoo, the number is 138 from seven.

Not one has begun a league match so far and neither were they called upon to come off the bench at the City Ground, as United sought a way back into a contest they were losing from the second half.

"We have a great deal of quality on the bench but sometimes I have the impression if I'm going to stop the game constantly, I'm going to break the rhythm," said the manager. "We were improving during the later stages, so my instinct was to avoid altering anything with the players in front."

Mainoo had a agreement in progress to join Napoli in the last days of the transfer period but the club would not approve a transfer. Zirkzee was coming back from injury but is currently open to the possibility of a move back to Italy.

The situation is complicated by the absence of the winger and the wing-back to the continental tournament in the midst of December, a period which includes a few midweek games which will demand a level of rotation not previously needed.

As the final is on 18 January, the duo are expected to be returned long before the signing period closes on February 2nd - which may mean a later outcome than any eager to leave individual would prefer.

"This is about the characteristics of the game," said Amorim, when asked specifically about Zirkzee and Mainoo. "They know it's only a phase.

"It's nothing to do with quality - and we have a lot of games."