Amorim would like United to build up with a genuine three at the back, rather than the four it has been when protection is the first priority. At Anfield, United took the lead because Martinez sensed a moment to press high, snapping into Mohamed Salah to win the ball and then stay up to receive Fernandes’ slipped pass.

At the end of their two-hour slugfest with Arsenal, Man United had a full back at centre back, a midfielder at wing back and a centre back up front.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has challenged his squad to show more consistency in their forthcoming fixtures.

Ruben Amorim is expecting to find out more about his Manchester United players against Southampton than he did in games with Liverpool and Arsenal. United produced two of the better performances under their new head coach in recent weeks in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League before beating Arsenal in the FA Cup third round,

Ruben Amorim believes he will learn more about his Manchester United players from their clash with bottom-of-the-table Southampton than he did from the trips to Liverpool and Arsenal. New head coach Amorim wants to see how his team play with the pressure of being expected to win against Saints,

Ruben Amorim has told Alejandro Garnacho he still has work to do if he is to earn a regular role in the Manchester United starting line up under him. The 20-year-old was one of the first names on the team sheet under previous manager Erik ten Hag but has seen his playing time diminish following the arrival of new head coach Amorim.