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

Before their journey to Nottingham Forest, Man Utd had gained only eight points from deficit situations under their manager. They had not got any from the past six matches when they found themselves behind since the match to AFC Bournemouth last April, when a late goal secured a tie.

When they were behind at the stadium after conceding two goals in a short span, as Forest reversed a disputed opening period goal, Manchester United were in serious trouble.

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

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

The answer was equally emphatic.

"Yes, and by a larger margin, in my opinion."

It's impossible to determine the reality. However, we do know that the young player showed why the coach picks him at defensive wing by scoring a spectacular first-time volley from near the edge of the penalty area nine minutes from time to earn a point.

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

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

In this match, Amorim felt his players showed they have improved at that as well.

"Previously, if we had such a poor five minutes and we conceded two goals, we wouldn't bounce back," stated the coach. "Today is a distinct sensation. It's evident we could not triumph in the match but we are not going to lose. And that is a mindset a major club occasionally has to have."

Amorim didn't mention it, but the arrival of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo likely contributed.

Cunha is not the type to retreat from challenging circumstances, on the contrary indeed. In the first half, when he was jeered by the local supporters for what they believed was his tactical play, he reacted - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the crest on his kit.

The forward is a constant threat, the perfect example of a player who will never allow an opponent a moment's peace.

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

"Our self-belief, naturally, is completely changed," he said. "Following three good games and we have a newfound confidence. We understand each other more effectively. We talk more about this.

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

"It's essential to be inside the game until the final 10 minutes. In the past, we could have lost everything the way we performed in the encounter. Today, the feeling was different."

Doubt Remains Over Futures of Zirkzee and the midfielder

If this was a day when United displayed their fighting spirit, it was also a day that must have left Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo even more uncertain of their futures in Amorim's new-look Manchester United.

In his before the game press conference, the coach stated it was likely members of the squad who think they are at risk of not making the World Cup will ask to leave in the January transfer window.

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

Neither has started a Premier League match this season and nor were they asked to be substituted on at the stadium, as United sought a way back into a contest they were losing from the 50th minute.

"Our squad includes a great deal of quality on the substitutes but at times I have the feeling if I'm going to disrupt the game constantly, I'm going to interrupt something," explained the manager. "We were improving during the second half, so my instinct was to avoid altering anything with the players in attack."

Mainoo had a agreement in progress to move to the Italian club in the last days of the transfer period but United would not approve a transfer. The striker was returning from a fitness issue but is now open to the possibility of a move back to Italy.

The circumstances is complicated by the absence of Mbeumo and the wing-back to the Africa Cup of Nations in the middle of December, a period which features a couple of weekday matches which will require a level of squad changes not previously needed.

Since the championship match is on January 18th, the pair are expected to be returned long before the transfer window ends on February 2nd - which may mean a delayed resolution than what wantaway player would like.

"This is about the demands of the game," 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 fixtures."