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.

Southampton under Ivan Juric are very different to the way they played under previous boss Russell Martin because most of the time they just lump it forward now, and they are far more direct.

Ruben Amorim has earmarked a key role for Harry Maguire in his Manchester United project.United continue to struggle to deliver positive results on a consistent basis but the Red Devils have shown