{'A Different Feeling' - Did Manchester United Exhibited a Mindset Shift?

If you can't win, avoid defeat - as the proverb states.

Prior to their journey to Nottingham Forest, Man Utd had earned just eight points from deficit situations with their manager. They had not got a single point from the past six games when they trailed since the match to Bournemouth last spring, when a late effort secured a tie.

When they were behind at the City Ground after letting in two goals in a couple of minutes, as Nottingham Forest reversed a disputed first-half goal, United were facing defeat.

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

Had that match happened last season, do you believe it would have ended in defeat?'

The answer was equally decisive.

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

It's impossible to determine the actual outcome. What we do know that Amad Diallo demonstrated why the coach picks him at defensive wing by flashing home a sensational first-time volley from just outside the penalty area late in the game to secure a draw.

It has been obvious since the start of the season that Manchester United are playing better this term. Since the start of October, they have additionally been achieving more positive outcomes.

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

In this game, Amorim felt his players showed they have improved at that too.

"Previously, if we had this kind of bad five minutes and we suffered two goals, we wouldn't bounce back," stated Amorim. "Today is a different sensation. You can sense we might not win the match but we are determined not to be defeated. And that is a feeling a big team occasionally must possess."

Amorim didn't mention it, but the signing of the Brazilian forward and the winger likely contributed.

Cunha is not one to shy away from challenging circumstances, on the contrary indeed. In the first half, when he was jeered by the local supporters for what they felt was his gamesmanship, he reacted - rather than ignore it - pointing to the crest on his kit.

Mbeumo is a energetic nuisance, the perfect example of a footballer who will never allow an opponent any rest.

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

"The confidence, naturally, is completely different," he stated. "Following three positive performances and we have a newfound assurance. We understand each other better. We communicate more about these aspects.

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

"We just need to be engaged in the match until the final 10 minutes. Previously, we could have lost everything based on how we played the game. Today, the impression was different."

Doubt Lingers Over Prospects of the striker and Mainoo

While this represented a day when the team showed their resilience, it was also a day that likely created the Dutch forward and the young midfielder even more unsure of their roles in the manager's revamped Manchester United.

In his before the game press conference, Amorim said it was possible players who believe they are at risk of missing the international tournament will request transfers in the winter signing period.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and the midfielder fit into that category. The forward has accumulated less than two full games from his 4 Premier League substitute appearances in the current campaign. For the young player, the total is over two hours from seven.

Neither has begun a league match so far and nor were they called upon to be substituted on at the City Ground, as the team sought a route to recovery into a contest they were losing from the 50th minute.

"We have a lot of talent on the bench but sometimes I have the impression if I'm going to stop the game all the time, I'm going to break something," explained the manager. "Our performance was getting better during the later stages, so my feeling was to avoid altering the setup with the players in front."

The midfielder had a deal in progress to join the Italian club in the last days of the summer window but United would not sanction a transfer. The striker was returning from injury but is currently considering the possibility of a move back to Italy.

The situation is made more complex by the loss of Mbeumo and Amad to the continental tournament in the midst of December, a time which includes a few midweek games which will demand a degree of squad changes not previously needed.

As the championship match is on 18 January, the duo are expected to be returned well before the transfer window closes on 2 February - which may mean a later outcome than any wantaway individual would like.

"This is about the characteristics of the sport," said the coach, when questioned directly about the forward and Mainoo. "They know it's only a phase.

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