Cause of Manchester united down fall
Manchester United crisis deepens as Nottingham Forest lose again – 5 hot topics
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United: Morgan Gibbs-White produced a stunning display to put pressure on Erik ten Hag at the City Ground.
Manchester United proved their comeback against Aston Villa was nothing more than a fluke as they lost to Nottingham Forest.
United showed renewed energy after coming from 2-0 down to beat Villa 3-2 four days ago, but returned to their worst form at the City Ground. After a forgettable first half, the game was further improved when Nicolas Dominguez fired into the bottom corner for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
The visitors have failed to score in their last three Premier League away games but were brought back into the game thanks to a fine pass from Matt Turner which allowed Alejandro Garnacho to set up Marcus Rashford’s equaliser. But United failed to develop their talent and soon fell behind again, Morgan Gibbs-White launching a counter-attack to put more pressure on Erik ten Hag. Here is the story of the game. About 90 minutes before kick off I heard that Anthony had talent. Rasmus Hojlund could not play due to an illness, and Anthony took his place. Finally, he had a chance to put on a show that would get people off their feet. “It’s going to be a good feeling and I think it’s a good opportunity to show what he stands for,” Ten Hag told MUTV ahead of the match. We talked a lot about coaches and coaching. So much for being left behind. We expect that from everyone, especially those on the front lines.”
His expectations were not met. Most of United’s possession was on Anthony’s right flank, but he was uncomfortable at times. We know Antony likes to cut in with his left foot, but the lack of effort, ambition and quality of passing in the box was shocking. Anthony, who cost £85m 17 months ago, has not scored in 29 games since the 2-0 win over Forest in April. He showed no signs of changing and was replaced by Ahmad in the 54th minute without proving anything. According to Squawka, he has gone 1,417 minutes without scoring in the Premier League despite striking 48 times. He has appeared in 21 games this season and has neither scored nor scored.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Dave Brailsford had little to talk about at half-time. The former United manager sat next to the INEOS sporting director, with United’s director of football John Murtaugh in front of him.
Ferguson will have to get used to United’s lackluster performances since he retired in May 2013, but this performance was particularly disappointing. Brailsford has been busy completing an audit of the club and while all aspects are being looked at, issues with the situation on the pitch have been particularly noticeable.
He saw United have a shot on goal for Forest in 45 minutes of football. He saw a midfielder playing a runner. He knew no one was being held accountable. Manchester United fans will be hoping he does something soon.
