What Man Utd chiefs think about Ruben Amorim behind the scenes ahead of Nottingham Forest anniversary match

In recent weeks, however, United have started to play well. Better than that, they've learnt to win again. Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton have all been overcome - with supporters of the club daring to dream of a title challenge.

It's certainly a different mood to a few weeks ago, where a chastening 3-1 defeat to Brentford had fans wondering if another managerial change would be on the cards.

When United sacked Erik ten Hag a year ago, several names were linked with the position.

But the hierarchy went for Amorim, having been impressed by his style of play and success in his homeland of Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

It has been a tough year for the 40-year-old. May's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, in particular, was a torrid evening at the office.

According to Sky Sports, however, United supremos are quietely satisfied with the progress that's been made in recent weeks - with Amorim's position safer with each passing match.

They go into Saturday's match with Nottingham Forest hoping to make it four league wins in a row. Should they do that, perhaps a title challenge isn't totally unfeasible.

What's encouraging for Amorim is that one of his bosses, director of football Jason Wilcox, has pledged to provide him with more investment in the squad.

The Red Devils spent lavishly in the summer, recruiting the likes of Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Wilcox, however, believes more is required to bring back the glory days.

"We have got a clear plan," he told the club's official website.

"We know what we have got to do, we know the areas of the team that we have got to improve.

"For us to get in the top four and consistently challenge for Champions League places, win Champions League, win Premier League, we have got to invest in the squad.

"We have got to buy the right players. The right players who are talented but also who can deal with the pressure, who can take the squad forward. It is not always about just signing elite talent, they have got to have the right character and be somebody who can bring something different to the team."

United are reportedly keen to bolster their midfield.

Though the transfer window reopens in January, the fallen giants are determined to wait until next summer before making a move on several targets.

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is on their radar, despite a slight dip in form this term.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been linked, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is another player on their radar as well.

Amorim, meanwhile, has admitted that his spell at the top has been a 'big journey' so far as his one-year anniversary approaches.

“It was a journey. A big journey. It was tough," he said.

"It was really tough, good moments, bad moments. I learned a lot, that is really important. I found out that even in my lower moments, I can stick with the things I believe and that is a good thing for anyone, to understand that.

"Today, the answer is different from three weeks ago. So, it’s important to understand that.

"It’s one of the biggest honours of my life to be here and I want to continue here for many years.”

United lost both league matches to Forest last term.

A 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford, where goalkeeper Andre Onana struggled, was followed up by a 1-0 loss to the same team in April.