Ruben Amorim’s difficult start continues as Nottingham Forest shocks Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest’s stunning 3-2 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford was just another frustrating night. It was a historic outcome for Forest, solidifying their place as a formidable force in the Premier League. But for Ruben Amorim, it was a sobering reminder of the tremendous difficulty of running one of the largest teams in football.
Amorim’s Post-Match Reality Check
In his interview after the game, Ruben Amorim wasn’t afraid to face the hard realities.
He said, “We started really bad,” to BBC Sport. “It’s difficult to fight after we let up a goal on the opening play. After that, we dominated the game and had numerous opportunities, but we got off to a poor start again in the second half, giving up two goals. We made numerous attempts, but none of them were of high quality.
Amorim was clearly frustrated, but he was also determined to keep going: “This is a long road. Although we need to win games to strengthen the team, we are becoming better in several areas. Even though we’re just getting started, we must continue to pay close attention to every little detail.
Since February 2023, when he was still at Sporting CP, Amorim had not experienced back-to-back league losses until this one. His current Premier League record at United is one victory, one draw, and two losses, which is not the best start for a manager who was hired to revitalize the team.
Forest’s Brilliant Display
For years to come, Nottingham Forest’s performance will be remembered. They took the game to a Manchester United team that appeared to be in second gear right from the opening whistle thanks to their aggressive, accurate, and courageous performance.
Forest didn’t turn back after the early breakthrough. “Everyone knows how important set-pieces are these days,” said Chris Wood, who scored a crucial goal from a corner to emphasize the significance of set-pieces in contemporary football. We found the ideal places to generate disruption today, and Morgs [Morgan Gibbs-White] produced an amazing ball.”
The core of Forest’s success was their midfield. Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson were in charge, winning crucial matches and containing United’s offensive threats. The attitude of a Forest team that has already claimed big scalps this season, including Liverpool at Anfield, was embodied by their perseverance and hard work.
Fan Reactions: Two Worlds Apart
The two fan groups’ attitudes couldn’t have been more dissimilar. As their team achieved yet another historic victory, Forest fans shouted in excitement. Chants reverberated well after the final whistle, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the away section at Old Trafford. For many Forest supporters, this was evidence that their team had finally turned the corner in the Premier League, and it was a victory to celebrate.
United supporters, meanwhile, were incensed. Many people vented their annoyance on social media, criticizing the players harshly:
• “Rashford ignores it.” Mount? A financial waste. Dalot is merely mediocre. This team requires a total makeover.
• “Even under Amorim, it feels like we’re stuck in the same rut as we were with Ten Hag.”
The athletes weren’t the only ones who received criticism. While some criticized Amorim’s tactical choices and replacements, others blamed the club’s leadership for not giving the new manager the tools he needed to successfully rebuild.
What Went Wrong for United?
For the whole of the game, United’s issues were evident. The hosts were forced to chase the game as Forest scored twice early on thanks to defensive errors. Despite regaining some control in the first half, United’s lack of creativity in the last third was clear.
Forest took advantage of more defensive blunders in the second half to knock United out of the game. United never appeared to be able to level despite late pressure, which included several corners and half-chances.
Cohesion and inventiveness were problems for Ruben Amorim’s team, which have dogged them throughout the season. Rasmus Hojlund, a summer acquisition, is still getting used to his surroundings, Mason Mount did not have an impact, and Marcus Rashford’s form keeps declining.
Forest on the Rise
This victory was a statement for Forest. The combination of tenacity and flare that manager Steve Cooper has cultivated in his club is paying off. Their fans will be hoping for more of the same as the season goes on, as their ability to take the game to elite opponents is evidence of their growth.
Together with their
at Anfield earlier in the season, this result demonstrates that Forest is now striving to thrive rather than only survive. They appear capable of taking on even the best players in the league on their day, with guys like Yates, Anderson, and Gibbs-White stepping up.
What’s Next?
Ruben Amorim has a difficult path ahead of him. His start at Manchester United has been far from ideal, as he has only managed four points out of a potential twelve. As the pressure to produce results keeps increasing, the Portuguese manager will need to mobilize his team and come up with ideas fast.
It appears that Nottingham Forest has a bright future. Their performances indicate that they are now competitors rather than merely Premier League players, and this victory is just one more feather in their cap. Long into the night, forest supporters will undoubtedly be cheering and wondering what might happen next.
The two clubs couldn’t be more different as the dust settles on another exciting Premier League match. United is left wondering, while Forest continues to march with assurance.
