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

Prior to their visit to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had gained only 8 points from losing positions with their manager. They had failed to secure a single point from the past six games when they were losing since the match to Bournemouth last spring, when a late effort snatched a tie.

When they were behind at the stadium after letting in two goals in a couple of minutes, as Nottingham Forest overturned a disputed opening period goal, Manchester United were in serious trouble.

The question to Amorim after his side fought back to draw could not have been more direct.

Had that match happened the previous campaign, do you believe you would have lost it?'

The answer was just as emphatic.

"Absolutely, and by more goals, I believe so."

It's impossible to determine the reality. However, we do know that Amad Diallo demonstrated why Amorim picks him at wing-back by scoring a sensational volleyed strike from near the edge of the penalty area late in the game to earn a draw.

It's been clear since the beginning of the season that United are performing at a higher level this term. Since the start of autumn, they have additionally been getting better results.

The resolve, the will, the unwillingness to surrender are unquantifiables.

In this game, Amorim felt his players showed they have improved at that too.

"Previously, if we had this kind of poor short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we wouldn't bounce back," stated Amorim. "Today is a different sensation. You can sense we could not triumph in this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And that is a mindset a major club occasionally must possess."

The manager didn't mention it, but the arrival of Matheus Cunha and the winger probably made a difference.

The attacker is not the type to retreat from difficult situations, quite the reverse indeed. In the first half, when he was jeered by the home fans for what they believed was his gamesmanship, he responded - instead of ignoring them - pointing to the badge on his kit.

Mbeumo is a energetic nuisance, the perfect example of a footballer who will never allow an rival any rest.

The coach was asked precisely what had led to the mental improvement. Apart from mentioning the self-belief gained from the prior three successive wins, he didn't really give an answer.

"The confidence, naturally, is totally different," he stated. "Following three good games and we have a different confidence. We understand one another better. We talk increased about these aspects.

"We demonstrated this year we can have bad moments but then, we produce three strong performances.

"It's essential to remain engaged in the match until the final 10 minutes. Previously, we could have collapsed completely the way we performed in the game. Today, the impression was different."

Doubt Lingers Regarding Futures of Zirkzee and the midfielder

While this represented a day when United displayed their fighting spirit, it was also a moment that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and the young midfielder increasingly uncertain of their roles in Amorim's revamped squad.

In his before the game press conference, Amorim stated it was possible players who think they are at danger of missing the World Cup will request transfers in the January signing period.

It is fair to assume Zirkzee and Mainoo fall into that bracket. The forward has accumulated 82 minutes from his four Premier League substitute appearances this season. For the young player, the number is 138 from seven.

Neither has begun a Premier League game so far and neither were they called upon to be substituted on at the City Ground, as the team sought a route to recovery into a game they were trailing in from the second half.

"Our squad includes a lot of talent on the substitutes but sometimes I have the feeling if I'm going to disrupt the flow all the time, I'm going to interrupt something," said Amorim. "Our performance was getting better during the second half, so my instinct was not to change anything with the guys in front."

Mainoo had a deal in progress to join Napoli in the final stages of the summer window but the club would not approve a deal. The striker was returning from injury but is now considering the idea of a return to Italy.

The situation is complicated by the loss of Mbeumo and the wing-back to the Africa Cup of Nations in the middle of December, a period which includes a couple of weekday matches which will demand a degree of rotation not previously needed.

Since the championship match is on 18 January, the duo are expected to be back long before the signing period ends on 2 February - which could result in a later outcome than any eager to leave individual would prefer.

"It is the characteristics of the game," commented Amorim, when asked directly about the forward and the midfielder. "The players understand it's just a moment.

"It isn't related to quality - and we have a lot of games."