Manchester United’s struggles from set pieces were again exposed in a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, with manager Ruben Amorim taking full responsibility for the defensive lapses that cost his team. The result marked United’s second consecutive Premier League loss under the Portuguese coach, adding to the pressure in his early tenure.
Early Set-Piece Woes Set the Tone
The match started disastrously for United, with Nikola Milenkovic heading Forest into the lead just two minutes in. A corner from Morgan Gibbs-White found Milenkovic unmarked, as Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt failed to contest the ball. André Onana’s hesitation in goal compounded the situation, leaving the Serbian defender with an easy finish.
This was the third consecutive goal United had conceded from a corner, following similar failures in their midweek 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. Amorim addressed the issue post-match, saying, “When this happens, it is more my fault because I am responsible. We try to work in the best way possible on set pieces, but it hasn’t been enough.”
A Tough Fightback and Missed Opportunities
Despite the early setback, United responded through Rasmus Højlund in the 18th minute. The Danish striker latched onto a low cross to slot home and bring the hosts level. However, Forest regained control shortly after halftime, with Gibbs-White and Chris Wood adding two quick goals to give the visitors a commanding 3-1 lead by the 54th minute.
United attempted to rally, and Bruno Fernandes pulled one back with a powerful strike in the 73rd minute. Yet, despite their late efforts, the Red Devils failed to find an equalizer, with Forest holding firm to secure their first win at Old Trafford since 1994.
Amorim Reflects on the Defensive Frailties
Amorim admitted the difficulty of instilling confidence and energy in his players after conceding so early. “It’s really hard to put energy back into the game after suffering in the first moments, but we managed to equalize. Unfortunately, we conceded again, and it became tough to recover.”
United’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring theme this season, particularly on set pieces. Amorim reiterated that improvement in this area is critical, stating, “We need to improve a lot in several aspects, and set pieces are at the top of that list. It’s my job to ensure the team is better prepared.”
The Weight of Expectations
For Amorim, the scrutiny at Manchester United contrasts sharply with his previous experiences at Sporting Lisbon. While acknowledging the challenges, he maintained confidence in his approach. “I’ve had similar periods at Sporting, but Manchester United is a massive club with global attention. When we lose, it’s hard for everyone, but we need to keep working and believe the results will turn around.”
The manager also emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent message to his players, regardless of the results. “The same words I had after winning against Everton, I have today. Focus on performance, identify where we can improve, and continue working every day.”
Forest’s Historic Win
For Nottingham Forest, the victory was a landmark moment. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo expressed his pride, saying, “It means a lot. This club has been away from big moments for so long, and to win at Old Trafford is a huge achievement for us.”
Forest’s performance was disciplined and clinical, with Gibbs-White and Wood taking their chances brilliantly. The defensive organization and composure under pressure showcased the progress Forest has made under Espírito Santo.
READ NEXT:
- Amorim Reflects on Set-Piece Failures After Arsenal Defeat Manchester United 2-0
- Cole Palmer breaks Yaya Toure’s record to become best penalty-taker in Premier League
- Dan Ashworth Departs Manchester United After Five Months in Sporting Director Role
United’s Form and Challenges Ahead
Amorim’s Premier League record now stands at one win, one draw, and two losses, yielding just four points from a possible 12. The defeat leaves United languishing in the bottom half of the table, far from the top-four aspirations held at the start of the season.
While Højlund’s form offers a silver lining, United’s inability to defend set pieces and their lack of consistency in the defensive third remain glaring weaknesses. With games against top opposition looming, Amorim will need to address these issues urgently to stabilize the team’s performances.
A Long-Term Vision
Despite the growing pressure, Amorim is adamant about sticking to his philosophy. “We understand the context and the challenges ahead. It’s a long journey, but we’re committed to building a team that reflects the values of Manchester United.”
His focus on long-term development rather than quick fixes may test the patience of fans and pundits, but Amorim remains confident that persistence will pay off. “We need time to implement our ideas and turn things around. It’s about improving step by step while staying true to our principles.”
Looking Forward
As United prepare for their next fixtures, the spotlight will remain firmly on Amorim. Addressing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set pieces, will be crucial to avoiding further setbacks. For now, the manager’s admission of responsibility and commitment to improvement will be key to regaining trust from fans and players alike.
