United travel to Nottingham Forest for the last fixture of the year, and should be in high spirits after Boxing Day’s incredible comeback against high-flying Aston Villa.
In an up-and-down season, it’s difficult to predict how any game will go, but with the ownership situation now sorted and several key injured players on the verge of making their returns, things are starting to look up for United. A win tomorrow could be the reset the club desperately needs and would set us on the right path for the New Year.
A cause for optimism?
United have had too few good performances this season, and our position in the league and early Champions League exit is testament to this. Even some of our wins have come on the back of poor or average performances.
However, the second half against Villa was exceptional. Our attacking players have been rightly criticised for a lack of end product this season, but on Boxing Day there were excellent performances from the front trio of Rashford, Hojlund and in particular, Alejandro Garnacho. Bruno Fernandes was back to his brilliant best and Christian Eriksen looked assured in midfield on his return from injury.
It is imperative that this group of players turns up again against Forest, who have less quality than Aston Villa. There is no reason for another lacklustre performance and we should be optimistic for this match.
Manchester United team news
In spite of recent good news about Martinez and Casemiro, who are nearing returns to fitness, United remain without them, as well as but Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Amad Diallo, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial are doubtful.
Predicted XI and opposition
Onana;
Wan-Bissaka, Varana, Evans, Dalot;
Fernandes, Mainoo, Eriksen;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford.
Nottingham Forest are likely to be without Serge Aurier, Felipe and Taiwo Awoniyi. Chris Wood scored an excellent hat-trick away against Newcastle in their last fixture, and is almost certain to start up front.
Form Guide
Nottingham Forest League form: LDLLW
Nottingham Forest all competitions: LDLLW
United League form: WLDLW
United form all competitions: LLDLW
Prediction
As well as the form shown in the Villa game, history is on United’s side in this fixture, which is the 100th meeting between the teams.
United have won the last 11 games in all competitions against Forest; the last time we dropped points against them was away in 1995 when we drew 1-1. A win for United tomorrow would be the 9th straight defeat for Forest in the league against United; which would be a club record for them against any one particular opponent.
A performance like the second half against Villa should be too much for for Forest, let’s hope the Reds can continue to build on that excellent performance.
Prediction: Forest 0-2 United
