Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, with Anthony Elanga scoring the only goal of the game after just five minutes
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Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports
Rio Ferdinand has identified three Man United players who were at fault against Nottingham Forest
Rio Ferdinand has criticised three Manchester United players for their part in the early goal that led to a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Anthony Elanga's impressive solo strike in the fifth minute secured all three points for Forest on Tuesday, enhancing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League. United, on the other hand, remain stuck in 13th place in the Premier League table and are facing their first finish in the bottom half in 35 years.
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Elanga, a product of United's academy who was sold for £15million in 2023, collected the ball from within his own half before sprinting 85 metres in nine seconds and slotting past Andre Onana. Despite the Swedish forward's brilliance, Ferdinand singled out three Red Devils players who could have stopped him.
The former United defender, speaking during half-time on TNT Sports, criticised Patrick Dorgu, Alejandro Garnacho, and Noussair Mazraoui. "I can break this goal down," began Ferdinand.
"I think there's three moments where they could have maybe stopped this goal. I think, first of all, it's a wonderful goal from Elanga, and you can't take anything away from him in that sense. But when you're looking from a defensive point of view, Elanga on the edge of the box there.
"Dorgu's got to be goal-side. You've got to think defensively first. You know the threat is pace. Be in a better position to stop that. Then he's behind, he's chasing, can't get back.
Anthony Elanga scoring against Man United
Anthony Elanga's superb solo goal was the difference maker against Manchester United
"And Garnacho has a role to play here. You should take him out, foul him there. You've got to foul him there. Take him out. You can see the pace; you can see the support he has. And Mazraoui's got to make a decision. Before he gets into that box, you've got to go and engage the attacking player there. Go into the box, get closer to goal. Elanga dispatches."
Elanga conveyed his elation over the stunning goal in a post-match interview with TNT: "It's just about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can. That's where you hurt opposition.
"I just saw the space and I believe that I'm one of the fastest players in the league, so if I am gonna back that I'm gonna have to show it on the pitch and that's what I did for my goal."
Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports
Ferdinand thought Elanga shouldn't have been stopped prior to getting his shot away
Elanga joined United from Swedish club Hattersley in 2014 at the age of 12. He made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa in 2020, before breaking into the first team squad during the 2021/22 season.
But after scoring just four times in 55 senior appearances, he was sold to Forest in 2023. Since his move to the City Ground, the forward has bagged 10 goals in 72 games.
Up next for United is the Manchester derby, with Ruben Amorim's side hosting Pep Guardiola's champions at Old Trafford on Sunday. Forest, meanwhile, face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.