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When you cannot triumph, avoid defeat - as the proverb states.

Prior to their trip to Forest, Man Utd had secured just 8 points from deficit situations with their manager. They had not got a single point from the previous six games when they found themselves behind since the trip to Bournemouth last spring, when a late goal snatched a tie.

When they were behind at the stadium after conceding twice in a short span, as Nottingham Forest overturned a disputed first-half opener, Manchester United were staring down the barrel.

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

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

The response was just as emphatic.

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

We can never know the reality. What we do know that the young player demonstrated why the coach selects him at wing-back by flashing home a sensational first-time volley from near the edge of the penalty area nine minutes from time to secure a point.

It's been clear since the start of the campaign that Manchester United are playing better this term. Since the beginning of autumn, they have also been getting better results.

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

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

"Previously, if we had such a poor short period and we suffered a couple of goals, we don't recover," stated Amorim. "Now is a distinct feeling. It's evident we could not win this game but we are not going to lose. And that is a mindset a big team sometimes has to have."

Amorim didn't say it, but the addition of the Brazilian forward and the winger likely contributed.

Cunha is not the type to retreat from challenging circumstances, actually the opposite in fact. In the first half, when he was booed by the home fans for what they felt was his tactical play, he responded - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the badge on his kit.

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

Amorim was questioned exactly what had led to the psychological growth. Beyond saying the self-belief generated from the previous three consecutive victories, he didn't provide an answer.

"The confidence, naturally, is totally changed," he stated. "Following three good games and we have a different assurance. We understand each other more effectively. We talk more about this.

"We proved this year we can have difficult periods but suddenly, we produce three strong performances.

"It's essential to remain engaged in the match until the last moments. Previously, we could have lost everything based on how we played the game. Now, the impression was different."

Doubt Remains Regarding Prospects of the striker and Mainoo

If this was a day when the team showed their resilience, it was also a day that likely created the Dutch forward and Kobbie Mainoo even more uncertain of their futures in the manager's new-look Manchester United.

In his pre-match press conference, Amorim stated it was likely players who believe they are at danger of not making the World Cup will request transfers in the January signing period.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and the midfielder fit into that category. The forward has accumulated less than two full games from his four Premier League cameo roles in the current campaign. For the young player, the number is over two hours from 7.

Not one has started a league match so far and nor were they asked to come off the bench at the stadium, as United sought a way back into a contest they were losing from the second half.

"We have a great deal of talent on the bench but at times I have the impression if I'm going to stop the flow all the time, I'm going to interrupt something," said Amorim. "We were improving during the later stages, so my instinct was to avoid altering anything with the guys in front."

Mainoo had a deal in place to move to the Italian club in the last days of the summer window but the club would not sanction a transfer. The striker was coming back from injury but is now considering the idea of a move back to Italy.

The situation is made more complex by the absence of Mbeumo and the wing-back to the continental tournament in the middle of December, a period which features a few midweek games which will require a degree of squad changes not previously needed.

Since the championship match is on 18 January, the duo should be back well before the signing period closes on February 2nd - which could result in a delayed resolution than any wantaway player would prefer.

"It is the demands of the sport," said Amorim, when questioned specifically about Zirkzee and the midfielder. "They know it's just a moment.

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