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

Prior to their journey to Forest, Manchester United had secured just eight points from losing positions under Ruben Amorim. They had failed to secure any from the previous six matches when they found themselves behind since the trip to Bournemouth last April, when a late goal snatched a draw.

When they went down at the stadium after conceding two goals in a couple of minutes, as Forest overturned a controversial first-half opener, United were staring down the barrel.

The question to the manager after his side recovered to tie could not have been any clearer.

Had that match happened last season, do you feel you would have lost it?'

The response was equally forceful.

"Absolutely, and by a larger margin, I believe so."

It's impossible to determine the actual outcome. What we do know that Amad Diallo demonstrated why Amorim selects him at wing-back by flashing home a spectacular first-time volley from just outside the box late in the game to secure a draw.

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

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

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

"Previously, if we had such a poor short period and we conceded a couple of goals, we don't recover," said the coach. "Now is a different feeling. It's evident we might not win this game but we are not going to lose. And this represents a mindset a major club sometimes has to have."

Amorim didn't say it, but the signing of the Brazilian forward and the winger probably made a difference.

The attacker is not one to shy away from difficult situations, actually the opposite in fact. In the opening period, when he was booed by the home fans for what they believed was his tactical play, he responded - rather than ignore it - gesturing toward the badge on his shorts.

The forward is a constant threat, the perfect example of a player who will not give an opponent any rest.

Amorim was questioned exactly what had caused the mental improvement. Apart from saying the confidence gained from the previous three successive wins, he didn't provide an answer.

"The confidence, naturally, is completely changed," he stated. "Following three good games and we have a newfound confidence. We understand each other more effectively. We communicate increased about this.

"We demonstrated this season we can have bad moments but suddenly, we produce three strong performances.

"It's essential to remain engaged in the game until the final 10 minutes. Previously, we could have lost everything based on how we performed in the game. Today, the feeling was not that one."

Doubt Remains Over Futures of Zirkzee and Mainoo

While this represented a day when United showed their resilience, it was additionally a moment that likely created the Dutch forward and Kobbie Mainoo increasingly unsure of their roles in the manager's revamped Manchester United.

In his pre-match press conference, Amorim stated it was likely players who believe they are at danger of not making the international tournament will ask to leave in the January signing period.

It is fair to assume the striker and the midfielder fall into that category. The forward has managed 82 minutes from his four top-flight substitute appearances this season. For the young player, the number is over two hours from 7.

Neither has started a league game this season and nor were they called upon to be substituted on at the City Ground, as United sought a way back into a game they were losing from the second half.

"Our squad includes a lot of talent 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. "We were improving during the later stages, so my feeling was to avoid altering anything with the players in front."

Mainoo had a agreement in place to move to the Italian club in the final stages of the summer window but United would not sanction a transfer. The striker was returning from injury but is now considering the idea of a move back to Italy.

The situation is complicated by the loss of Mbeumo and Amad to the continental tournament in the middle of December, a time which includes a few midweek games which will require a level of squad changes not previously needed.

Since the final is on January 18th, the duo should be back well before the signing period closes on 2 February - which may mean a later outcome than what wantaway individual would like.

"This is about the characteristics of the sport," commented Amorim, when asked directly about the forward and Mainoo. "The players understand it's just a moment.

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