More records have been broken by Manchester United this season with the most league defeats before Christmas since the 1930/31 season and the most defeats in December since 1933. After the incredible comeback win on Boxing Day, the fans were more optimistic as we approached the New Year. However, the Red Devils came crashing back down with an abysmal attacking display that saw us lose 2-1 to Nottingham Forest. We struggled to get any shots at the opposition’s goal throughout the game.
A First Half to forget
There was no Rasmus Hojlund in the match day squad due to illness, with Antony returning to the starting eleven in his place. Nicolás Domínguez had the first effort for Forest blocked as they made the better start. Raphael Varane produced an awkward clearance that nearly put goalkeeper Andre Onana in trouble as the ball went across but not over the goal line.
United’s first shot came in the 33rd minute when Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s effort from outside of the box was blocked and subsequently collected by Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner. The first half came to an end with the match goalless. The possession battle had been won by United 53% to 47%, despite Forest’s six shots.
Defensive frailities costing us again
Ten Hag made a change at half-time; bringing off Kobbie Mainoo for Scott McTominay much to the bemusement of the fans watching at home. It would be United who would threaten first in the second half. Diogo Dalot saw his long-range effort ten minutes in hit the post and come away from the danger zone. But as we started to look like doing something of note, we were soon picking the ball out of the net.
Nicolás Domínguez found acres of space inside the box as he was left unmarked to fire Forest into the lead in the 64th minute. United got a bit of luck when our high pressing saw Alejandro Garnacho pick up a loose pass from Matt Turner. He then squared the ball to Marcus Rashford whose strike went into the bottom right corner to level the game 12 minutes from time.
However, the Reds would come unstuck again as three minutes later; Christian Eriksen had his stinging effort saved by Matt Turner started the counterattack from Forest. Anthony Elanga laid off the ball to Morgan Gibbs-White at the edge of the box before firing and curling an effort into the goal to restore the opposition’s lead. Bruno Fernandes did have an effort late on but was denied by Turner after tipping the ball over the bar.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Andre Onana – 5. Was largely a spectator and could not do much about either goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5. Did not offer much in attack or link up with Antony well. Question his movement in the second goal as he strolled away from Gibbs-White.
Raphael Varane – 5.5. Tried to get the ball moving out of the defence into the attack. Had the awkward moment when his clearance nearly gave Forest an early lead.
Jonny Evans – 5.5. Safe in possession.
Diogo Dalot – 5.5. Had an inverted role during the game. He got into the right places but his impact overall was very little.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5. Marked out by Morgan Gibbs-White. Substituted at half-time by Ten Hag for tactical reasons.
Christian Eriksen – 5. Did not offer much going forward and had played some poor passes. Looked like he ran out of steam by the 60th minute.
Antony – 4. Just provided no threat at all on the right.
Bruno Fernandes – 5.5. Struggled to get involved and have the impact he usually does.
Alejandro Garnacho 6 & MOTOM. Provided a lot more than Antony did. He was key in us getting the equaliser with his assist for Rashford.
Marcus Rashford 5.5. Did not get much time on the ball but took his goal well.
Subs:
Scott McTominay 4. Brought on for Mainoo but did not offer much. Failed to track Gibbs-White’s run forward for the Forest winner.
Amad Diallo – 5. First appearance of the season. Had some good touches and looked better than Antony.
Sergio Reguilon – N/A.
One step forward two steps back for United
Before we came into the game, optimism was high and we predicted a win. After that ninety minutes, United look back to square one again. Garnacho was probably the only bright spark of the game and it was his work rate that got us back on level terms before we conceded the second. There will be a lot to ponder for Ten Hag as he works out how to get the best out of this side and, hopefully, the New Year bring better times.
