Manchester United visited Nottingham Forest in the opening fixtures of matchday 30 and it was another defeat for the Red Devils. Amorim’s men were severely unlucky for the entire period of the game and lost out on three crucial points.
Nottingham Forest had already beaten Manchester United in the league and this match was a chance for United to take revenge. Something they failed woefully at.
Against the run of play, Nottingham Forest took the lead in the first five minutes. The goal was from none other than United’s former man, Anthony Elanga. Carefully weaving past a trio of Garnacho, Dorgu and Mazraoui to create an opening, Elanga calmly put the ball past Andre Onana. The counter attack from a corner that led to the goal was fast and precise, catching the United defense off guard.
After that goal, United fired all cylinders but failed to find the back of the net. Dalot hit the crossbar while Maguire’s header towards the death was way off target. In a last gasp attack, Maguire managed to get a shot on target but it was cleared off the line by Murillo.
Manchester United had 28 shots on target but failed to score a single goal. How? The elite defending from Forest and the lack of precision from United’s forward are responsible.
Garnacho couldn’t find his scoring boots despite being in good positions all game. Bruno Fernandes kept spawning passes into the box but nobody was on hand to put it past Sels.
The match was evenly contested by both sides but Forest showed they wanted it more. By winning second balls, showing agility and getting their feet sorted at the right time, they hit United when it mattered. Manchester United despite seeing the ball for much of the game couldn’t muster a solid chance.
Forest kept their composure and fought hard for a deserved three points. This win means Forest have completed the league double over Manchester United.
This win takes Nottingham Forest to 57 points on the log and it may just be enough to secure Champions League football. For Manchester United, this loss keeps them stuck in 13th place.
It is possible that they drop more places in the coming days. They have played two more games than 12th Palace and one more game than Tottenham and Everton who sit 14th and 15th respectively.
Fans are yet to see the good side of Amorim’s era and this causes some concern. It remains to be seen if he’s really the man for the job. United faithfuls hope that it gets better in the coming games. For now, that’s all they can do. Hope.
