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When you cannot win, don't lose - so the old saying goes.

Prior to their trip to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had secured only eight points from deficit situations with their manager. They had failed to secure any from the previous six matches when they were losing since the match to Bournemouth last April, when a last-minute goal snatched a tie.

When they found themselves trailing at the stadium after conceding twice in a couple of minutes, as Nottingham Forest reversed a disputed first-half opener, United were facing defeat.

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

Had that match occurred the previous campaign, do you believe it would have ended in defeat?'

The response was just as emphatic.

"Yes, and by more goals, in my opinion."

We can never know the actual outcome. What we do know that Amad Diallo showed why Amorim picks him at defensive wing by flashing home a spectacular first-time volley from just outside the box nine minutes from time to secure a point.

It's been clear since the beginning of the season that United are performing at a higher level this season. Since the beginning of autumn, they have additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

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

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

"In the past, if we had this kind of bad short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we don't recover," stated the coach. "Now is a different feeling. It's evident we might not triumph in this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And this represents a feeling a big team occasionally has to have."

Amorim didn't mention it, but the addition of Matheus Cunha and the winger must have helped.

The attacker is not one to shy away from challenging circumstances, actually the opposite in fact. In the opening period, when he was booed by the local supporters for what they believed was his tactical play, he responded - rather than ignore it - pointing to the badge on his kit.

Mbeumo is a constant threat, the epitome of a player who will never allow an rival a moment's peace.

The coach was questioned precisely what had led to the psychological growth. Beyond mentioning the self-belief gained from the prior three successive wins, he didn't really give an answer.

"The confidence, naturally, is completely changed," he stated. "Following three positive performances and we have a different confidence. We understand each other better. We talk increased about this.

"We demonstrated this year we can have difficult periods but then, we have three strong performances.

"We just need to be inside the match until the last moments. Previously, we could have lost everything based on how we performed in the encounter. Today, the impression was not that one."

Doubt Remains Over Futures of Zirkzee and Mainoo

If this was a occasion when United displayed their fighting spirit, it was also a moment that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo even more unsure of their futures in Amorim's revamped squad.

In his before the game media briefing, the coach said it was possible members of the squad who believe they are at risk of not making the international tournament will request transfers in the January transfer window.

It is fair to assume the striker and Mainoo fit into that category. Zirkzee has managed 82 minutes from his 4 Premier League substitute appearances this season. For Mainoo, the number is 138 from seven.

Not one has started a Premier League match this season and neither were they called upon to be substituted on at the City Ground, as United chased a way back into a game they were trailing in from the second half.

"Our squad includes a great deal of talent on the substitutes but sometimes I have the feeling if I'm going to stop the flow all the time, I'm going to break something," said Amorim. "Our performance was getting better during the second half, so my instinct was to avoid altering the setup with the guys in front."

The midfielder had a deal in place to join Napoli in the final stages of the summer window but United would not approve a deal. The striker was coming back from injury but is now considering the idea of a return to Serie A.

The circumstances is complicated by the loss of Mbeumo and Amad to the Africa Cup of Nations in the midst of December, a time which includes a few midweek games which will demand a level of squad changes not previously needed.

Since the championship match is on 18 January, the duo should be back well before the signing period ends on 2 February - which may mean a later outcome than what wantaway player would prefer.

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

"It's nothing to do with ability - and we have a many games."