The best reaction to another chaotic weekend at Old Trafford
Manchester United 2 - 3 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest capitalised on Manchester United’s defensive errors to secure their first win at Old Trafford in nearly 30 years.
Rasmus Højlund cancelled out Nikola Milenković’s early opener, but Ruben Amorim’s side couldn’t draw level again after conceding twice in a seven-minute spell early in the second half.
United goalkeeper André Onana was at fault for Forest’s second, misjudging Morgan Gibbs-White’s strike from the edge of the area. Expecting the ball to move towards his right, Onana was beaten on his left as the shot stayed true.
The defensive woes continued when Chris Wood, celebrating his birthday, sent a looping header towards the far post. Neither Onana nor Matthijs de Ligt dealt with it, and Lisandro MartÃnez was slow to react as the ball nestled in the corner of the net.
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Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for United on 61 minutes, but despite making five substitutions, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.
The result leaves United with back-to-back Premier League defeats for the second time this season, following their midweek loss at Arsenal. Amorim has managed just one win in his first four league games, with United languishing in 13th place. Their tally of 19 points from 15 matches is the club’s worst start to a season since 1986-87.
Meanwhile, Forest’s victory propels them to fifth in the table, marking a sharp contrast in fortunes.
Super Reds News analysis
Super Reds News: Post match review: United 2 - 3 Forest https://t.co/D8ilHmLIZi
— Super Reds News (@GMCRFootball158) December 8, 2024
This was the view of a United fan on the Super Reds News blog. They said: "One of our main issues reared its head again today, just as it did on Wednesday – a vulnerability to aerial balls and set pieces. Nottingham Forest capitalised almost immediately, with defender Nikola Milenkovic heading his side into the lead in just the second minute from yet another set-piece goal against the Reds.
"Although we managed to level in the 18th minute through Rasmus Højlund, who pounced to finish a loose ball, there was little else to feel optimistic about as they headed into the half-time break."
Departure of Dan Ashworth
Less than 24 hours after this defeat, United announced that sporting director Dan Ashworth was leaving his role after just five months.
Ashworth’s departure from Old Trafford was reportedly finalised during a meeting following Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. It remains unclear whether United’s recent poor form played a role in his decision to leave.
Click here to read more reaction to this story from Manchester Super News.