Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Manchester United succumbed to a slender 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, despite a largely positive display following an early goal from former winger Anthony Elanga. In this Premier League encounter at the City Ground, The Red Devils controlled possession but were unable to penetrate Nuno Espirito Santo’s steadfast Forest side, remaining in 13th position in the league standings.
Man Utd Player Ratings versus Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana: 7
Had relatively little to contend with throughout the match. Might question the space Elanga was afforded for the opening goal. Did produce a superb save to deny a Ryan Yates header, although the flag was subsequently raised for offside.
Defenders
Noussair Mazraoui: 6
Partially responsible for the conceded early goal. Recovered to deliver a competent performance as a wide-centre-back as the game progressed.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6
Offered a robust presence at the core of the defensive trio. Prevailed in the majority of his individual battles, although his limited mobility was occasionally tested against Forest’s rapid attacking players.
Leny Yoro: 7
Made a welcomed return from injury. Displayed strength in the tackle and his pace proved crucial against the dynamic home side. A superb intervention to thwart Elanga late in the match preserved the 1-0 scoreline.
Diogo Dalot: 7
Delivered one of his more effective performances as a wing-back. Successfully generated opportunities, found success in most duels, and maintained composure in possession unlike some of his teammates.
Midfielders
Manuel Ugarte: 4
The less impactful of United’s starting midfield pairing. Only won two of his six attempted duels and appeared short of sharpness before being substituted at the interval.
Casemiro: 7
Played a key role in the visitors’ dominance of possession before his substitution around the hour mark. Posed a threat from set-pieces and was commanding in aerial challenges. Was visibly frustrated after receiving a harsh booking for a challenge on Yates.
Patrick Dorgu: 4
Provided a positive outlet on the left flank, as often seen, but his distribution of the ball was inaccurate. However, he received limited support from Alejandro Garnacho, frequently overlooked when offering a passing option.
Forwards
Alejandro Garnacho: 2
The contrast in performance between United’s No. 17 and the winger sold to Forest to facilitate his ascent was stark. A disappointing night for the young attacker.
Showed weakness in the challenge leading to Elanga’s opener. Frequently ignored Dorgu’s overlapping runs, opting to shoot wildly off target. A needless yellow card on 66 minutes compounded his poor display.
Bruno Fernandes: 7
Appeared to be the sole Manchester United player capable of producing moments of quality in the final third. Started in a forward role but operated across the pitch, fashioning six goal-scoring opportunities for his team.
Joshua Zirkzee: 4
Deploying him as a central striker, despite prior suggestions he was not a natural fit, proved to be an ineffective decision. Showed glimpses of his technical ability in possession but rarely threatened to influence the scoreline.
Substitutes
Rasmus Hojlund: 6
United demonstrated greater attacking impetus following his introduction at half-time.
Christian Eriksen: 5
Offered little significant impact during his thirty minutes on the field.
Mason Mount: 5
Came close to scoring an equaliser shortly after entering the game. Manager Amorim will be hoping to maintain his fitness.
Harry Maguire: 6
Presented a considerable aerial threat when deployed as an auxiliary forward late in the game. Appeared to miss a clear headed chance to level the score in added time, but Dorgu’s delivery was slightly behind him.