Manchester United's best starting side under Ruben Amorim is beginning to emerge.

The Reds completed a comeback win for the ages at the Etihad on Sunday, inspired by Amad Diallo. The youngster is fast becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet and looks a likely candidate to fill one of Amorim's two number 10 slots long term.

The win over Manchester City has handed United crucial momentum heading into the hectic festive period with the chance to progress in both domestic cups and pick up crucial Premier League points coming up in the next few days and weeks.

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The bombshell team news at the Etihad saw Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho omitted from the matchday squad, and both seemingly have significant work to do to win over Amorim and earn a regular spot in his side. The manager's XI against City was filled with work-rate and endeavour, traits that were a hallmark of Amorim's success at Sporting Lisbon.

And with United having played two of the 'big six' in the Premier League under his tenure, team trends are emerging. The defeat to Arsenal might not live too long in the memory but of those who started at the Emirates, nine began the derby. Amad came off the bench at half time in the capital and has since cemented his spot in any best United XI.

Nine places seem reasonably inked in under Amorim, with Andre Onana the clear first choice in goal despite a couple of wobbles in recent weeks. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazrouri look to have nailed down the wing back options with Tyrell Malacia still feeling his way back in, while Matthijs De Ligt has started every match under Amorim in the back three.

Who plays alongside him seems open to debate with Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro perhaps the long term candidates. Yoro is on his way back from injury and is still young while Martinez would have started at Arsenal were it not for suspension and will claim a spot in Amorim's XI.

Harry Maguire's renaissance has continued with starts against the Gunners and City and he will seemingly compete with Yoro for the remaining defensive slot given Luke Shaw's injury woes. Moving the versatile Mazrouri into the back three could be a valued option depending on the opposition.

In midfield, Manuel Ugarte has claimed one of the central options while Bruno Fernandes is a certain starter, with the only question being whether he sits or joins Amad further forward. Rasmus Hojlund has the striker shirt.

It leaves the likes of Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkee and Mason Mount competing for one midfield spot. Antony and Christian Eriksen have been used sparsely by Amorim. Mount would probably be Amorim's pick given how highly he regards a player who started against Arsenal and City only to pick up an injury early in the derby.

If Amorim had everyone fit and needed to play his best XI in a must win contest, you would suspect the main decisions would be between Maguire and Yoro in the back three and whether Mount earns the attacking midfield spot.

The win over City means the Amorim era has well and truly arrived, some United players have work to do to ensure they are part of it.