Jose Mourinho refused to discuss rumours of a bid for Kalidou Koulibaly after using two midfielders in defence in Manchester United’s draw with Southampton.

The Red Devils started with a back three of Scott McTominay, Phil Jones and Nemanja Matic at St Mary’s Stadium, with injuries ruling out Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, with Marcos Rojo not fully fit.

They found themselves 2-0 down after 20 minutes, thanks to goals from Stuart Armstrong and Cedric Soares, and although Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera ensured a 2-2 draw, the result means United could be nine points off the top four if Chelsea beat Fulham and Tottenham draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Reports this week have suggested United have had a bid of £91-million for Koulibaly rejected by Napoli as they look to shore up their defensive options in the January transfer window, but Mourinho would not be drawn on the speculation.

‘I cannot answer your question,’ he told a news conference. ‘Koulibaly is a Napoli player and I don’t speak about players from another club.’

Mourinho accepted the result was two points dropped, despite the first-half comeback, saying: ‘The result is not good, so I have to say we dropped two points. If you’re losing 4-0 and you get 4-4, I would say maybe the same.

‘The comeback is good. You had the game lost, and you got the point. Normally you would say it’s a positive point.’

Lukaku ended a wait of 981 minutes in all competitions for a goal, but Mourinho was terse when it was put to him the striker still struggled with his control and link-up play.

‘So write that. Don’t ask me,’ he said. ‘Yes, the goal will give him confidence. But I’m super happy with [Marcus] Rashford’s performance.’

Mourinho added that Rashford, who was replaced in the second half despite assisting both his side’s goals, had asked to come off due to injury.’