The unfamiliar feeling Manchester United fans had at Tottenham shows Ruben Amorim progress

An away end in a cup match at a big Premier League stadium is always a lively experience. Despite the inconvenient date and kick-off time at Tottenham on Thursday, the 5,800-or-so Manchester United enjoyed their night out in the capital.

It was a noisy congregation a week before Christmas, and the away end belted out the name of the head coach within the first 15 minutes. There were roars during the first half for an encouraging United display, and the noise was relentless as United threatened a stunning second-half comeback.

That petered out in the end, but many of the away supporters stayed behind to applaud their team's efforts. As they exited the stadium and contemplated the long journey back to Manchester, United fans would have been greeted by an unfamiliar feeling. Was that pride in a defeat? If not quite pride, then encouragement and acceptance? Excitement at what is to come?

READ MORE: Manchester United's strongest midfield under Ruben Amorim deserves a second chance

READ MORE: I saw Amad interaction with Manchester United fans that showed his new status in Ruben Amorim's squad

This was the seventh defeat of the season already, but unlike so many of the previous losses, it felt borderline positive. It might well have been the most assured United have looked in possession in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. Having fielded a rotated team with fringe players given a chance, United held their own against a much stronger Spurs side.

You could certainly look at that display and find reasons to believe a corner is being turned and progress is being made. Amorim is eight games in now, and this was the third defeat on his watch, but as every match passes, this team looks more at home in his shape. There are still