Manchester United have lost their previous three Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest.
United celebrate against Forest
United celebrate against Forest
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Manchester United's recent meetings with Nottingham Forest have not been matches to remember for supporters.
Last season's trip to the City Ground in the Premier League was a night to forget. United dominated but it was Forest who picked up the win.
To make matters worse, it was United old boy Anthony Elanga who ran through the heart of the Reds' defence to slot the ball past Andre Onana. The sight of Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho desperately tracking back before Noussair Mazraoui was tied up in knots will haunt Ruben Amorim to this day.
Since then, Nuno Espirito Santo has been sacked by Forest, as has Ange Postecoglou, and now it is Sean Dyche at the helm. While not sharing exactly the same approach, Dyche will be looking to emulate Nuno in exploiting United on the counter.
During that 1-0 defeat in April, United enjoyed 68 per cent possession and were ultimately caught out having committed too many men to their attack. A subtle change in recent matches suggests this may not be an issue against Forest this weekend.
In their run of three straight victories, United have had more possession than their opponents in just one of those games - against Sunderland. In those matches, the Reds have been comfortable without the ball and have kept themselves defensively solid.
The goals United conceded against Brighton both came from dead ball scenarios. Against Liverpool, one of the best teams in the country when it comes to turning defence into attack, Amorim's side did well to avoid not being picked off on the counter-attack.
United are likely to see more of the ball than they did against Brighton and Liverpool. But the key for Amorim's team will be to not over-commit.
United's pressing against the Seagulls was impressive and there will still be room for that at Forest. However, ensuring the back three and Casemiro are always aware of the possible threat on the counter will be key.
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