Nottingham Forest 2-0 up on Man United after just FOUR minutes, it is a nightmare for Erik ten Hag
Despite spending big on the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, it has been another underwhelming start for Erik ten Hag’s United.
During their first match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, they were lucky to come away with a narrow 1-0 win. Last weekend, they produced a dreadful performance as Tottenham Hotspur won 2-0 in North London.
After last weekend’s poor showing against Spurs, Ten Hag would have been hoping for a much improved performance from his players against Forest, who are looking to build on their 2-1 win against Sheffield United.
With just two minutes on the clock, Old Trafford was stunned into silence as Taiwo Awoniyi scored after a brilliant counter attack, which started with a corner for United.
Just two minutes later, Forest doubled their lead thanks to defender Willy Boly, who headed in after a brilliant free-kick was played in by Morgan Gibbs White.
However, United’s defending was very questionable with midfielder Casemiro allowing Boly to head the ball in unchallenged.
Whilst speaking about the match on BBC’s Final Score, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said: “How have Forest got a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes at Old Trafford?
“We spoke earlier about runners off the ball causing danger for United and Forest have used them to score on the counter from United’s very own attacking corner.”
Luckily for United, Christian Eriksen managed to drag his side back into the match as he made it 2-1 after 17 minutes.
As things stand, United will end the afternoon in 14th place with just three points from a possible nine. This is for sure not the start United fans wanted.
Man United begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign at home to Wolves tonight.
Summer signings Mason Mount and Andre Onana are likely to feature, having joined from Chelsea and Ajax respectively.
But the chances of Maguire getting a run out at Old Trafford appear slim, with the defender heavily linked with a move away from the club ahead of the transfer deadline.
He’s been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with West Ham United hoping to acquire the England international.
And Ten Hag believes the 30-year-old would be better off leaving Man United if he’s not confident enough to fight for a first-team spot.
“He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back,” said the Dutchman.
“He is the best for England so why shouldn’t he be the best for us?
“But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to fight then he has to go, then he has to make a decision. But I’m happy with him.”
Maguire played second fiddle to the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last season as he made 16 league appearances.
His future seems to lie away from Man United and a potential sale could generate more funds for Ten Hag to recruit new talent ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.
The Red Devils have also signed Rasmus Hojlund and the 53-year-old is happy with the club’s business this summer.
“One year ago we did a benchmark and there were only five players above £60m,” he added.
“Now you see all over many clubs investing high rates in their squads. The competition is very tough in the Premier League but we are happy with the squad we constructed.”
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