Following their loss to Nottingham Forest, Manchester United has now dropped nine of its 20 Premier League games this year.
The goals of Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez were sufficient to make Marcus Rashford’s third goal of the year simply a consolation. For United, who defeated Aston Villa 3-2 on Boxing Day, it’s another step backward.
Due to the loss, United may drop to ninth place this weekend if other outcomes don’t go their way. When the team returns to league action, they will be at least nine points outside of a top-four position. During the ninety minutes, there were several things that United supporters might have missed.
A hole in the shape of a mainoo
After halftime, Scott McTominay replaced Kobbie Mainoo, and United appeared more exposed, unable to keep possession of the midfield. Mainoo scored both goals from the same area he had occupied in the first half, and the Reds did little to stem the home team’s offensive surge.
Since his injury return, Mainoo has performed effectively in a deeper role. Possibly the most reliable player on the club, his absence during the second half ultimately cost United.
The celebrations in Elanga
After being released by United in the summer, Anthony Elanga caused problems for his old team on Saturday. The winger’s celebrations against his boyhood club, the Reds academy graduate, were uncontrollably triggered after Forest scored their opening goal.
The winner, Gibbs-White, was subsequently set up by him to exact revenge on his old squad. The Sweden international then gave new manager Nuno Espirito Santo a deep embrace at full time while grinning broadly. It seems there’s no room for old bonds.
Three-front switch
Alejandro Garnacho was on the right, while Rashford was pushed forward as the primary striker when Antony replaced the injured Rasmus Hojlund. Rashford was to play on the left, as is more natural for him, and Antony was to play as the striker just before halftime. United had their finest part of the game as a result of their improved ability to handle the attacking flow. After Antony left the game early in the second half, Amad brought Rashford in to push up front ineffectually.
muted responses
Every time United fails to produce a consistent run of results, Erik ten Hag will be under increasing pressure. Since November, United hasn’t won the Premier League back-to-back.
On the touchline, Ten Hag was pleading with his team to remain composed while they desperately looked for a late equalizer. He looked incensed after full time as Rashford had to assist Diogo Dalot off the turf and Amad looked defeated.
Fans of Forest tease Antony.
Nine minutes after the half, Antony left the game due to a leg problem. The Brazilian, who cost £85.5 million and is United’s second-most expensive acquisition, has not scored in 21 games this season and hasn’t done so since the team’s 2-0 victory over Forest in April. The home crowd expressed their disapproval of the winger as he was hobbling off by yelling, “what a waste of money.” Antony hasn’t helped out yet this season either.
