Manchester United were kept at bay by a stout Nottingham Forest as they lost 1-0 away from home to restart their Premier League campaign with a whimper.
The game started in the most predictable fashion as a Man Utd corner in the fifth minute was turned into a Forest goal by none other than Anthony Elanga, a script any fan would have guessed.
Ruben Amorim’s men did not lie down and accept the early punch as they played with purpose but didn’t land a punch of their own either as they went at half-time trailing by a goal.
Forest were happy to keep that trend up as they ceded possession and challenged United to break them which they couldn’t despite bossing territory and possession.
1-0 is how the game would end despite United banging on the door but unable to push through a resolute Forest defence.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Here’s how the players rated-
Couldn’t have done much for the goal. More assured in passing.
Struggled against Elanga’s raw pace and endless running as he was dragged out wide and skinned on the ball repeatedly. United’s present haunted by the club’s past.
Secure while defending his box, not so much when running towards the goal.
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Confident with the ball and Forest’s goal could have been avoided if he was playing on the left.
Crossed with more regularity as Amorim’s coaching has started to pay dividends. Not very accurate though.
Only slightly less culpable for struggling against Elanga than Mazraoui. Offered an outlet in attack.
Did his usual sweeping up job well with aggressive tackling and ball-winning. Sacrificed at half-time for attacking strength.
Did well as Forest sat back and allowed him time on the ball. Came off after he looked close to being sent off.
Early shot stung the palms of Forest’s goalkeeper and remained a threat throughout.
Kept shooting against Forest’s deep block. Needs to add more poise to his game.
Forest held off but immediately pressed when he had the ball. Looked rattled by the intensity.
Substitutes
Played with confidence and drove forward with purpose but Forest were stout.
Came on to help with ball progression as Forest ceded possession but couldn’t make much of a difference.
Almost scored after coming on with a shot from outside the box. Looked good.
Emergency striker summed up United’s attacking woes. Fluffed two big chances with the finish of a defender.