{'A Distinct Sensation' - Have Man Utd Exhibited a Mindset Shift?

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

Before their trip to Forest, Man Utd had secured only 8 points from losing positions with Ruben Amorim. They had not got any from the previous six matches when they trailed since the trip to AFC Bournemouth last spring, when a last-minute effort snatched a tie.

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

The question to the manager after his side recovered to tie could not have been more straightforward.

Had that match happened the previous campaign, do you believe it would have ended in defeat?'

The response was just as forceful.

"Yes, and by more goals, I believe so."

We can never know the reality. What we do know that the young player demonstrated why Amorim picks him at defensive wing by flashing home a brilliant first-time volley from just outside the penalty area late in the game to secure a point.

It's been clear since the beginning of the season that Manchester United are playing better this term. Since the beginning of October, they have additionally been getting better results.

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

In this match, the manager felt his squad demonstrated they have improved at that as well.

"Previously, if we had this kind of poor five minutes and we suffered two goals, we don't recover," stated Amorim. "Now is a different sensation. It's evident we could not triumph in this game but we are determined not to be defeated. And this represents a mindset a major club sometimes has to have."

The manager didn't mention it, but the addition of the Brazilian forward and the winger must have helped.

Cunha is not the type to retreat from challenging circumstances, on the contrary in fact. In the opening period, when he was jeered by the local supporters for what they felt was his gamesmanship, he reacted - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the badge on his kit.

Mbeumo is a constant threat, the perfect example of a footballer who will never allow an rival any rest.

The coach was asked precisely what had led to the mental improvement. Beyond saying the confidence generated from the prior three consecutive victories, he didn't provide an answer.

"The confidence, naturally, is completely changed," he stated. "Following three positive performances and we have a different assurance. The players comprehend one another better. We talk more about these aspects.

"We proved this year we can experience bad moments but suddenly, we produce three strong performances.

"We just need to be inside the game until the final 10 minutes. Previously, we could have collapsed completely the way we performed in the encounter. Today, the feeling was not that one."

Uncertainty Lingers Regarding Futures of Zirkzee and Mainoo

If this was a occasion when United showed their resilience, it was also a moment that likely created Joshua Zirkzee and the young midfielder increasingly uncertain of their futures in Amorim's new-look squad.

In his before the game press conference, Amorim said it was likely members of the squad who think they are at risk of missing the international tournament will request transfers in the winter transfer window.

One can reasonably conclude Zirkzee and Mainoo fall into that bracket. Zirkzee has managed 82 minutes from his four top-flight cameo roles this season. For Mainoo, the total is over two hours from seven.

Not one has begun a Premier League game so far and nor were they called upon 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 substitutes but sometimes I have the impression if I'm going to stop the game all the time, I'm going to interrupt something," explained Amorim. "Our performance was getting better during the second half, so my feeling was to avoid altering the setup with the guys in front."

Mainoo had a deal in place to move to Napoli in the final stages of the summer window but United would not approve a transfer. Zirkzee was coming back from a fitness issue but is currently open to the idea of a return to Serie A.

The circumstances is complicated by the absence of the winger and Amad to the Africa Cup of Nations in the middle of the winter, a time which includes a couple of weekday matches which will demand a level of rotation not previously needed.

Since the championship match is on 18 January, the pair should be returned long before the signing period closes on February 2nd - which may mean a delayed resolution than any eager to leave player would prefer.

"This is about the demands of the game," said Amorim, when asked specifically about the forward and Mainoo. "They know it's only a phase.

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