United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, but unlike many other losses this season, Ruben Amorim’s side played quality football at times.

Match Flow

If you let a quality young player leave your club to a team in the same league, you better get the sale right. Manchester United did not with Anthony Elanga, and the former Red burned his former side in the 6th minute.

Following a United corner, Elanga picked up the ball on the edge of his own area and beat everyone for pace, entering Onana’s box and placing the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Manchester United came close before the half-hour mark through Diogo Dalot. On Bruno Fernandes’ fifth corner of the day, the Portuguese right-back latched onto a header that struck the bar, coming agonizingly close to an equalizer.

Despite outpossessing Forest 69%-31%, outshooting them 10-3, and having far more chances from corner kicks, Manchester United entered the half down to Elanga’s early strike.

The first notable moment of the second half didn’t come until Mason Mount’s substitution. The oft-injured attacker nearly scored with his first touches of the match as he sent a shot just past the far post.

Manchester United had an incredible opportunity to level with the last kick of the match. However, Harry Maguire’s point-blank shot was cleared off the line by Murillo, dooming the Reds to another painful away loss.

Main Talking Point

Manchester United’s season depends on their ability to finish opportunities. Against Nottingham Forest, Amorim’s team created two big chances and took 23 shots but failed to score. Bruno Fernandes cannot be expected to bear the entire responsibility if United hopes to win the Europa League. Another player needs to step up in crucial moments and convert opportunities, or the Reds will be left with little positivity to build on over the summer.

This was by no means a bad performance from Manchester United. Dominance in possession and several good attacking phases were positive takeaways. Unfortunately, it’s not enough when you fail to get on the scoresheet.

Next Match

Manchester United host cross-town rivals Manchester City for an Erling Haaland-less Manchester Derby on Sunday.

While the Derby is always important, a trip to Lyon looms large next Thursday as the Europa League Quarter-Finals begin.