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

Before their journey to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had earned just eight points from deficit situations with Ruben Amorim. They had failed to secure any from the past six games when they found themselves behind since the match to AFC Bournemouth last April, when a last-minute goal snatched a tie.

When they were behind at the City Ground after letting in twice in a short span, as Nottingham Forest overturned a controversial opening period goal, United were in serious trouble.

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

'If that game happened the previous campaign, do you feel it would have ended in defeat?'

The response was equally decisive.

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

It's impossible to determine the actual outcome. However, we do know that the young player demonstrated why the coach selects him at wing-back by flashing home a spectacular volleyed strike from near the edge of the penalty area nine minutes from time to earn a draw.

It has been obvious since the start of the campaign that Manchester United are performing at a higher level this term. Since the beginning of autumn, they have additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

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

In this game, Amorim felt his squad demonstrated they have got better at that too.

"Previously, if we had such a poor short period and we suffered two goals, we don't recover," stated Amorim. "Today is a different sensation. It's evident we might not win this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And this represents a feeling a big team sometimes must possess."

The manager didn't say it, but the signing of Matheus Cunha and the winger likely contributed.

The attacker is not one to shy away from challenging circumstances, on the contrary in fact. In the opening period, when he was jeered by the local supporters for what they believed was his gamesmanship, he responded - rather than ignore it - pointing to the badge on his shorts.

Mbeumo is a constant threat, the perfect example 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 saying the confidence gained from the previous three consecutive victories, he didn't really give an explanation.

"The confidence, of course, is totally changed," he stated. "We came from three positive performances and we have a different assurance. The players comprehend each other better. We talk more about these aspects.

"We demonstrated this season we can experience bad moments but suddenly, we produce three good games.

"It's essential to remain engaged in the game until the last moments. Previously, we could have collapsed completely the way we performed in the game. Now, the impression was different."

Doubt Lingers Regarding Prospects of the striker and the midfielder

If this was a occasion when the team showed their fighting spirit, it was additionally a day that must have left the Dutch forward and the young midfielder increasingly uncertain of their futures in the manager's revamped Manchester United.

In his before the game press conference, the coach said it was possible members of the squad who believe they are at danger of not making the international tournament will request transfers in the January transfer window.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and Mainoo fit into that category. Zirkzee has managed 82 minutes from his 4 top-flight substitute appearances in the current campaign. For the young player, the total is over two hours from seven.

Not one has begun a Premier League match this season and neither were they asked to be substituted on at the stadium, as the team chased a way back into a game they were trailing in from the 50th minute.

"Our squad includes a great deal of quality on the substitutes but sometimes I have the feeling if I'm going to disrupt the game constantly, I'm going to interrupt the rhythm," said Amorim. "We were improving during the later stages, so my instinct was to avoid altering anything with the players in attack."

Mainoo had a agreement in place to move to the Italian club in the final stages of the transfer period but the club would not sanction a deal. The striker was coming back from injury but is currently considering the possibility of a return to Serie A.

The situation is complicated by the absence of Mbeumo and the wing-back to the continental tournament in the midst of December, a time which features a couple of midweek games which will demand a level of rotation not previously needed.

As the championship match is on January 18th, the pair should be returned long before the transfer window closes on 2 February - which may mean a delayed outcome than any eager to leave player would prefer.

"It is the demands of the sport," said Amorim, when questioned specifically about the forward and Mainoo. "The players understand it's only a phase.

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