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

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

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 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,