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If you can't win, don't lose - according to traditional wisdom.

Before their visit to Forest, Manchester United had secured just 8 points from losing positions under Ruben Amorim. They had failed to secure any from the past six games when they trailed since the match to Bournemouth last April, when a last-minute effort snatched a tie.

When they were behind at the City Ground after conceding two goals in a couple of minutes, as Nottingham Forest reversed a contentious opening period goal, United were in serious trouble.

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

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

The answer was just as decisive.

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

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

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

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

In this game, Amorim felt his squad showed they have got better at that as well.

"Previously, if we had such a poor short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we wouldn't bounce back," stated Amorim. "Now is a different feeling. You can sense we might not win this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And this represents a feeling a major club sometimes must possess."

The manager didn't mention it, but the arrival of the Brazilian forward and Bryan Mbeumo probably made a difference.

The attacker is not one to shy away from difficult situations, on the contrary indeed. In the opening period, when he was booed by the local supporters for what they believed was his tactical play, he responded - instead of ignoring them - pointing to the badge on his shorts.

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

The coach was questioned exactly what had caused the psychological growth. Apart from saying the confidence gained from the prior three consecutive victories, he didn't really give an explanation.

"Our self-belief, of course, is completely changed," he stated. "We came from three positive performances and we have a different assurance. The players comprehend one another more effectively. We communicate increased about these aspects.

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

"We just need to remain inside the game until the final 10 minutes. In the past, we could have lost everything based on how we performed in the game. Now, the impression was not that one."

Doubt Remains Over Futures of the striker and Mainoo

If this was a occasion when the team displayed their resilience, it was also a moment that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo increasingly unsure of their futures in Amorim's revamped squad.

In his pre-match press conference, Amorim stated it was likely members of the squad who think they are at risk of not making the World Cup will request transfers in the January transfer window.

It is fair to assume Zirkzee and Mainoo fit into that bracket. The forward has managed 82 minutes from his four Premier League cameo roles in the current campaign. For the young player, the total is 138 from 7.

Neither has started a Premier League match so far and neither were they asked to be substituted on at the stadium, as United chased a way back into a contest they were trailing in from the 50th minute.

"Our squad includes a great deal of quality on the substitutes but sometimes I have the impression if I'm going to stop the game constantly, I'm going to interrupt something," said Amorim. "Our performance was getting better during the second half, so my instinct was to avoid altering anything with the guys in attack."

Mainoo had a agreement in place to move to Napoli in the last days of the summer window but the club would not sanction a transfer. The striker was returning from injury but is now considering the possibility of a move back to Serie A.

The situation is complicated by the loss of the winger and Amad to the continental tournament in the middle of the winter, a time which includes a few midweek games which will require a degree of squad changes unseen before.

Since the championship match is on January 18th, the pair are expected to be back long before the signing period closes on 2 February - which could result in a later outcome than what eager to leave player would prefer.

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

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