Manchester United have two unlikely unsung heroes under Ruben Amorim

Amad Diallo earned all the plaudits for inspiring Manchester United to a chaotic comeback win over Southampton last night, but he was not the only player who made a key contribution.

The Ivorian winger netted an incredible 12-minute hat-trick to save United's blushes and mask what had been another unacceptable performance against a lesser side. Ruben Amorim said he would learn more about his side against Southampton than he did from recent trips to face Liverpool and Arsenal. What he learned is plenty of his players struggle to find motivation unless they head into a match as clear underdogs.

United will face another reality check when they host Brighton this weekend and Amorim has some big decisions to make if he is to select a side capable of dealing with the expectation of home win. Diogo Dalot is certain to start after he missed the Southampton defeat through suspension and Harry Maguire will be recalled in defence after his latest fitness issues. There is another unlikely duo who could be just as important.

A key reason Amad was able to win the match for United on Thursday night is that his side finally got control of the game thanks to two second-half substitutes. Joshua Zirkzee made another impressive cameo from the bench that gave United a physical presence in attack, holding up the ball well to connect midfield with attack. "Josh, how he was holding up the ball, that was amazing to see," teammate Matthijs de Ligt told MUTV after the win.

Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are very different strikers who have very different skills, but based on their current style of play under Amorim, the Dutchman is better suited to a role that brings the other attackers into the match. That was abundantly clear in midweek, with Amad's success in part due to how well facilitated he was by the introduction of Zirkzee, who held the ball up and created space for his teammates to exploit.

The other key selection could come in central midfield. Amorim admitted Manuel Ugarte was tired and Kobbie Mainoo was 'late' to the ball on several occasions as Southampton ran through the heart of the United side with too much ease. A key reason United took back control of the match is because Toby Collyer was so impressive again from the bench.

The 21-year-old gave United the energy and defensive protection they needed in the match, winning all of his tackles and completing 95 percent of the passes he attempted. He has not only proved himself to be adequate cover for Ugarte or Mainoo, but there is also a compelling argument to start him against his former club this weekend to give United greater strength in the crucial midfield battle.

All eyes will be on Amad again, but two unlikely unsung heroes could be just as important.