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When you cannot triumph, avoid defeat - according to traditional wisdom.

Prior to their trip to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had earned merely 8 points from losing positions with Ruben Amorim. They had not got a single point from the past six games when they found themselves behind since the trip to Bournemouth last April, when a late goal secured a tie.

When they were behind at the City Ground after letting in two goals in a couple of minutes, as Forest overturned a controversial first-half opener, Manchester United were facing defeat.

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

Had that match happened last season, do you believe you would have lost it?'

The answer was just as forceful.

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

It's impossible to determine the reality. What we do know that Amad Diallo showed why Amorim picks him at defensive wing by flashing home a brilliant volleyed strike 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 Manchester United are performing at a higher level this term. Since the start of autumn, they have additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

The resolve, the desire, the unwillingness to surrender are intangibles.

In this match, the manager felt his players demonstrated they have got better at that as well.

"Previously, if we had this kind of bad short period and we suffered two goals, we don't recover," said Amorim. "Today is a distinct feeling. It's evident we might not win this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And that is a mindset a big team occasionally must possess."

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

Cunha is not the type to retreat from difficult situations, actually the opposite indeed. In the first half, when he was jeered by the local supporters for what they felt was his tactical play, he reacted - rather than ignore it - pointing to the crest on his shorts.

The forward is a constant threat, the perfect example of a footballer who will not give an rival any rest.

Amorim was asked exactly what had led to the psychological growth. Beyond mentioning the confidence gained from the prior three consecutive victories, he didn't really give an answer.

"Our self-belief, naturally, is totally different," he stated. "Following three positive performances and we have a newfound confidence. We understand one another more effectively. We talk increased about these aspects.

"We demonstrated this year we can have difficult periods but suddenly, we produce three good games.

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

Uncertainty Lingers Regarding Prospects of Zirkzee and Mainoo

While this represented a occasion when the team displayed their resilience, it was additionally a day that must have left the Dutch forward and Kobbie Mainoo even more unsure of their roles in the manager's new-look Manchester United.

In his pre-match press conference, the coach stated it was possible members of the squad who think they are at danger of not making the international tournament will request transfers in the winter signing period.

It is fair to assume Zirkzee and the midfielder fit into that category. The forward has accumulated less than two full games from his four Premier League substitute appearances this season. For the young player, the number is over two hours from 7.

Neither has begun a Premier League match so far and neither were they asked to come off the bench at the City Ground, as the team chased a route to recovery into a game they were trailing in from the 50th minute.

"Our squad includes a lot of quality on the substitutes but sometimes I have the impression if I'm going to disrupt the flow constantly, I'm going to interrupt the rhythm," said the manager. "We were improving during the second half, so my feeling was to avoid altering the setup with the guys in attack."

The midfielder had a agreement in place to move to Napoli in the final stages of the transfer period but United would not sanction a transfer. Zirkzee was coming back from injury but is now considering the possibility of a return to Italy.

The situation is complicated by the absence of the winger and Amad to the continental tournament in the middle of the winter, a period which includes a few midweek games which will demand a degree of squad changes not previously needed.

As the final is on 18 January, the pair are expected to be back well before the transfer window closes on February 2nd - which may mean a later resolution than any wantaway individual would prefer.

"This is about the characteristics of the sport," commented the coach, when asked specifically about Zirkzee and the midfielder. "The players understand it's just a moment.

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