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.

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

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.

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 has been struggling as Manchester United boss and his reaction to a wild 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday said it all. He was very happy with the performance and so many of his players put in a spirited, focused and committed display. But he was angry he hasn’t seen it more often since he arrived a few months ago.

Man United's players started to arrive at Old Trafford at around 4pm ahead of Thursday night's Premier League clash with Southampton.

Ruben Amorim has already begun his work at Manchester United, and after managing his first matches as head coach—achieving a victory against Manchester City along the way—the focus now shifts to the transfer market.