Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will trade tackles at Old Trafford in one of the Premier League’s match day 15 games. The Red Devils are looking to get their season back on track after some early season poor run. On the other hand, Forest are aiming to maintain their early season form as we edge closer to the midway of the season.
As of the time of writing, Manchester United have 16 points from twelve games and they sit in the 12th spot, while the Reds have 19 points and sit in the 7th spot after the same number of games.
Manchester United Struggles
It has been one struggle to the other for Manchester United since the season began. We have seen new additions to the technical crew, changes to infrastructure and even Sir Alex Ferguson was not left out. The situation around the club needs serious attention and it has been getting all of that since the new owners came on board. However, results on the pitch have not been excellent, as Erik Ten Hag was given his walking papers in favour of newly signed manager Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils lost four of their opening twelve games of the season with just 13 goals scored. This sort of form does not inspire confidence in the hearts of the management and their fans. Ruben Amorim is looking to formation changes, hoping to improve the club’s fortunes.
Nottingham Forest Exceeding Expectations
Meanwhile, Forest have been excellent in the Premier League before meeting juggernaut Arsenal in a 3-goal defeat. The Reds have been decent in getting wins under their belt this term and they will approach this game with so much confidence on the back of their results at Liverpool and Chelsea.
Following the win over Crystal Palace at home in October, Nuno Espirito Santo said Nottingham Forest will not become “over the moon”.
“There’s no secret,” said the former Wolves manager. “It’s always about preparing him and the team well. We try to give the players routines and things that can improve their performance. Then, it’s Chris. The credit goes to him.”
“The basics was one of our priorities in terms of improvement,” Nuno added.
“Since we started pre-season, we wanted to become more solid and compact, not allowing too many chances. Matz [Sels] is doing fantastically well.
“It’s nothing special, honestly! It’s what I think a football team has to become. It has to be solid, compact, and always covering and helping each other, throwing your body in front of the ball. This is defending. This is the basics of football.
“If we ignore this aspect of the game then things become much harder. If you only rely on how, where, and how many we are going to score, I see it the other way round.
“When there are too many compliments, they are not good. We are doing well, period. We have to stay and improve. Don’t think that it’s over the moon.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United won this same fixture at home last season and the last time they failed to win a home league game against the Reds was three decades ago. Forest, buoyed by their results at Liverpool and Chelsea, will not be disturbed by their miserable record at the Theatre of Dreams.
Manchester United and Forest have met and played against each other 13 times in all competitions since 1995. United have won 11 times, Forest with a solitary win, and the other game the only stalemate between them.
Match tickets
This match at Old Trafford in Manchester kicks off on Saturday 7th December 2024, at 17:30 GMT.
The 74,310-capacity stadium is the place for this clash between the Red Devils and the Reds.
Getting Manchester United v Nottingham Forest tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Andre Onana remains the number one goalkeeper at Old Trafford, while Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both long-term absentees. All players with minor injuries should be available for this game.
Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui; Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford.
Forest are already known for their strong performances on the road this term. After the win at Liverpool and the draw at Chelsea, Espirito Santo will be keen to make this trip count as well. He has the in-form Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, and the likes to call for this game.
Forest XI: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Ward-Prowse, Yates; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.
Prediction
In the Premier League this season, Manchester United have been largely inconsistent and they will need to raise their game if they want to beat the Reds at home.
Meanwhile, Forest do have a poor record against Manchester United and will be keen to break from that psychological cage to fight for all three points at Old Trafford.
It might be tough to watch for Manchester United fans, but the home side should do just enough to claim another gritty three points.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest