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If you can't triumph, don't lose - as the proverb states.

Before their trip to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had earned merely 8 points from deficit situations with Ruben Amorim. They had not got any from the past six games when they found themselves behind since the match to AFC Bournemouth last spring, when a late goal snatched a draw.

When they found themselves trailing at the stadium after letting in two goals in a short span, as Forest reversed a disputed opening period opener, United were staring down the barrel.

The question to Amorim after his side recovered to draw could not have been any clearer.

Had that match occurred last season, do you feel it would have ended in defeat?'

The response was equally emphatic.

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

We can never know the actual outcome. However, we do know that the young player showed why the coach picks him at wing-back by scoring a sensational first-time volley from near the edge of the box nine minutes from time to secure a draw.

It has been obvious since the beginning of the campaign that United are playing better this term. Since the start of October, they have additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

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

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

"Previously, if we had such a bad short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we wouldn't bounce back," said Amorim. "Now is a different sensation. It's evident we could not triumph in the match but we are determined not to be defeated. And that is a feeling a major club sometimes has to have."

Amorim didn't mention it, but the signing of Matheus Cunha and the winger likely contributed.

The attacker is not one to shy away from difficult situations, quite the reverse in fact. In the opening period, when he was jeered by the home fans for what they felt was his gamesmanship, he reacted - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the badge on his kit.

Mbeumo is a hustle-bustle menace, the epitome of a player who will never allow an rival a moment's peace.

Amorim was asked exactly what had caused the psychological growth. Apart from mentioning the confidence gained from the previous three successive wins, he didn't really give an explanation.

"The confidence, of course, is completely changed," he stated. "Following three positive performances and we have a newfound assurance. The players comprehend each other more effectively. We communicate more about this.

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

"It's essential to remain engaged in the match until the last moments. In the past, we could have lost everything based on how we performed in the encounter. Today, the feeling was not that one."

Uncertainty Lingers Regarding Futures of the striker and the midfielder

If this was a occasion when United showed their fighting spirit, it was also a day that must have left Joshua Zirkzee and the young midfielder increasingly uncertain of their futures in the manager's revamped squad.

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

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and the midfielder fit into that category. Zirkzee has accumulated 82 minutes from his four top-flight substitute appearances this season. For Mainoo, the total is 138 from seven.

Not one has begun a league game this season and neither were they asked to be substituted on at the stadium, as United sought a way back into a game they were trailing in from the second half.

"Our squad includes a lot of talent on the bench but at times I have the feeling if I'm going to disrupt the flow all the time, I'm going to break something," said Amorim. "Our performance was getting better during the second half, so my feeling was to avoid altering anything with the guys in attack."

The midfielder had a agreement in place to join the Italian club in the final stages of the transfer period but United would not sanction a deal. The striker was returning from injury but is now considering the idea of a return to Serie A.

The circumstances is made more complex by the loss of Mbeumo and Amad to the continental tournament in the midst of the winter, a period which features a few midweek games which will demand a degree of rotation not previously needed.

As the championship match is on 18 January, the duo are expected to be back long before the transfer window closes on 2 February - which may mean a later resolution than what eager to leave individual would like.

"This is about the characteristics of the sport," commented Amorim, when questioned directly about the forward and Mainoo. "The players understand it's temporary.

"It isn't related to ability - and we have a many games."