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 team news leaks have stopped since Ruben Amorim called out the source. Premature leaks of line-ups don’t help because they give the other team the advantage of knowing who is playing and the approach of the manager in question.