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.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was back at Old Trafford for the first time in two months to see Man United win late on against Southampton.

Ruben Amorim believes the season will be a “rollercoaster” for Manchester United as he expects they will remain inconsistent, with lots of ups and downs. United came within 10 minutes of losing at home to bottom club Southampton on Thursday,

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,