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.

Ruben Amorim appears to have offered a lifeline to Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford ahead of the transfer deadline. ‘The situation is the same for every player,’ Amorim said ahead of United’s Europa League clash against Steaua Bucuresti on Thursday evening.

Ayden Heaven has previously said his priority as a centre-back is to keep clean sheets and score goals from set pieces as Manchester United move from Arsenal nears.