Ruud van Nistelrooy has openly shared his thoughts on the shortcomings of Amorim’s strategy during the shocking home loss
Manchester United endured a disappointing 2-3 loss to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, a match played amid the fierce winds and heavy rains of Storm Darragh. While the storm wreaked havoc across the UK, it was United who faced the brunt of the damage, this time on their home turf.
The match began disastrously for the hosts. Within two minutes, Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenković rose above United’s defenders to head home the opening goal, silencing the crowd and shaking the team’s composure. Struggling to recover from the early blow, United’s defensive frailties and unforced errors continued to undermine their performance, leaving them vulnerable throughout the game. Despite periods of possession, their play lacked coherence, allowing Forest to seize control and add two more goals after halftime.
Alejandro Garnacho’s inclusion in the starting lineup became a point of contention. Once seen as a promising young star, the winger has struggled for form this season, and his performance against Forest was no different. His contributions were minimal, leading to growing frustration among fans. Many suggested that Garnacho might benefit from stepping back to rebuild his confidence, as the pressure to rediscover his past brilliance continues to mount.
Bruno Fernandes offered a brief glimmer of hope, scoring a well-placed goal that appeared to spark a potential comeback. However, the team’s response was disjointed and frantic, leaving them exposed to Forest’s controlled and aggressive pressing. Manager Ruben Amorim’s substitutions came too late to make an impact, and there was little evidence of tactical adjustments to counter Forest’s momentum.
The match highlighted ongoing concerns about Amorim’s tactical approach. His counterattacking philosophy, which has worked against stronger teams, faltered against Forest’s organized defense. United struggled to dominate possession and break through, exposing persistent weaknesses in midfield control and defensive stability. The result underscored doubts about the squad’s ability to execute Amorim’s vision effectively.
This defeat, United’s second in a row, amplifies questions surrounding the club’s direction. Defensive errors, inconsistent displays, and tactical inflexibility are becoming familiar problems. As Storm Darragh fades, the metaphorical storm at Old Trafford shows no signs of letting up. United must address these issues urgently through tactical changes, squad improvements, or even a reassessment of leadership.
With more challenging fixtures on the horizon, time is running out for United to turn their season around. Fans are losing patience, and the team’s resilience will be put to the test. To navigate this turbulent period, Manchester United must rediscover the discipline, boldness, and focus that once defined their success.
