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,

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim praised his side’s battling performance after their FA Cup victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

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.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says his team needs time to "build a different way of playing". Since Amorim's arrival in November, the Red Devils have impressed most in away games against big sides - drawing at Anfield and winning 2-1 at Etihad Stadium in the Premier League before beating Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup.

Ruben Amorim said he will learn more about his players when they face Southampton than during the performances against Liverpool and Arsenal.