United may be 10 points above the drop zone, but more inconsistent performances that don't go their way could prove costly

Ruben Amorim said he was thankful that Amad's late hat trick against Southampton made a post-match conversation with Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe go smoothly.

For a good 80 minutes or so, Manchester United were facing the potential ignominy of a fourth consecutive home defeat. The first television sets had only been on sale a few years the last time that happened at Old Trafford.