United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford this past weekend was one of the worst performances of the season. Will the Reds be able to overcome injury woes and continue in the FA Cup?

Historical Highlight

On Boxing Day in 1961, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest combined for nine goals in a thrilling match. Matt Busby’s United side won 6-3 after a hat-trick from Norbert Lawton. The other three goals came from legend Sir Bobby Charlton, David Herd, and Shay Brennan. Those six goals are the most that United has ever put past Nottingham Forest.

Current Form

Before Saturday’s loss, Manchester United were on the best winning streak of the season. Rasmus Hojlund, who was Manchester United’s most in-form player, picked up an injury before the match and was clearly missed.

The loss to Fulham was a miserable performance from the Reds, and the attack sputtered in Hojlund’s absence. United will have to figure out a way to score goals moving forward to stay in the race for the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Nottingham Forest have taken only four points from their last five Premier League matches. On Saturday, Aston Villa put four past Forest and were up 3-0 at one point in the first half. Even in poor form, this Forest side poses a real danger on the counterattack that United will need to be wary of in this matchup.

Team News

Manchester United’s injury report keeps getting bigger. After being withdrawn from the match on Saturday, Casemiro will enter Wednesday’s match doubtful to play a part. United also lost Rasmus Hojlund to a muscle injury before Sunday’s match, and he will be a critical miss over the next few weeks. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Anthony Martial remain out with long-term injuries.

As Manchester United lose key players, Nottingham Forest get theirs back. Ola Aina, Willy Boly, and Ibrahima Sangare all should be available after a period of rest following the AFCON. These additions give Forest manager Nuno Santo plenty of options for configuring his side.

Predicted Starting XI

GK: Andre Onana

Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford

Match Prediction

Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will draw 2-2 after 90 minutes. However, with the FA Cup Fifth Round not having replays, Manchester United will win 3-2 in extra time to advance to the Quarterfinals. Goals for United will come from Rashford, McTominay, and Harry Maguire.

One Bold Prediction

Amad Diallo will start. Amad came on late in the Fulham match and looked lively. While Ten Hag seems to favor Omari Forson, I don’t see the youngster starting twice in four days.

With Rasmus Hojlund out for several weeks, Ten Hag will be looking for the best front three in his absence. In this match, Amad will get a chance to show why he should be a part of that front three.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!