{'A Distinct Sensation' - Have Man Utd Demonstrated a Mindset Transformation?

If you can't triumph, avoid defeat - according to traditional wisdom.

Prior to their journey to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United had secured only 8 points from losing positions under Ruben Amorim. They had failed to secure a single point from the past six games when they were losing since the match to AFC Bournemouth last spring, when a last-minute goal secured a draw.

When they were behind at the City Ground after letting in twice in a short span, as Nottingham Forest reversed a controversial first-half opener, Manchester United were in serious trouble.

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

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

The answer was equally forceful.

"Absolutely, 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 brilliant first-time volley from near the edge of the penalty area late in the game to secure a draw.

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 additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

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

In this match, Amorim believed his squad showed they have improved at that as well.

"Previously, if we had this kind of bad short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we don't recover," said Amorim. "Today is a distinct sensation. You can sense we could not win the match but we are not going to lose. And that is a feeling a big team sometimes must possess."

The manager didn't say it, but the addition of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo probably made a difference.

The attacker is not the type to retreat from difficult situations, actually the opposite in fact. In the opening period, when he was jeered by the home fans for what they felt was his tactical play, he reacted - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the crest on his kit.

Mbeumo is a hustle-bustle menace, the perfect example of a footballer who will never allow an opponent a moment's peace.

The coach was asked precisely what had led to the psychological growth. Beyond mentioning the self-belief generated from the prior three consecutive victories, he didn't really give an explanation.

"Our self-belief, naturally, is completely changed," he said. "We came from three good games and we have a newfound confidence. The players comprehend each other better. We communicate increased about these aspects.

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

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

Uncertainty Remains Over Futures of the striker and Mainoo

While this represented a occasion when the team displayed their resilience, it was additionally a day that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo even more unsure of their futures in Amorim's new-look squad.

In his before the game press conference, the coach said it was likely members of the squad who believe they are at risk of not making the international tournament will request transfers in the winter signing period.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and Mainoo fit into that bracket. The forward has accumulated 82 minutes from his four Premier League cameo roles this season. For the young player, the total is over two hours from 7.

Neither has begun a league match so far and nor were they asked to come off the bench at the stadium, as United chased a route to recovery into a contest they were losing from the 50th minute.

"Our squad includes a lot of talent on the bench but at times I have the impression if I'm going to stop the game constantly, I'm going to break something," said Amorim. "We were improving during the second half, so my instinct was not to change the setup with the guys in front."

The midfielder had a agreement in progress to move to Napoli in the final stages of the summer window but United would not approve a deal. The striker was coming back from a fitness issue but is currently open to 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 midst of the winter, a period which includes a couple of weekday matches which will demand a degree of rotation not previously needed.

Since the final is on 18 January, the pair should be back well before the transfer window ends on 2 February - which may mean a delayed outcome than what eager to leave individual would like.

"It is the demands of the sport," commented the coach, when questioned specifically about Zirkzee and Mainoo. "They know it's temporary.

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