Erik ten Hag will be desperate for his Manchester United side to bounce back after consecutive poor performances which culminated in a 2-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur. He will be expected to make significant changes after his midfield struggled in both of their opening matches.
Last Word on Football has created a predicted lineup for United returns as they return to Old Trafford to face Nottingham Forest.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest
How Ten Hag’s Side Lined-up Against Wolves and Spurs
The Red Devils named an unchanged eleven against Ange Postecoglou’s side on Saturday. Andre Onana featured in goal behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw.
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In midfield, Casemiro played as a single pivot behind Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes. Out wide, Antony started as the right winger, while academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho was given another opportunity on the left. Marcus Rashford was started as a lone striker.
Man Utd’s Struggles Continued Against Tottenham
United outperformed Spurs for the majority of the first half and were controversially denied a penalty early in the game, much to the frustration of club captain Fernandes, who asked for an apology from PGMOL. But despite some positive moments in the first 45 minutes, it all came crashing down for Ten Hag’s side.
The second half exposed tactical errors and a lack of adjustments to counter changes made by Postecoglou’s side, who pulled their inverted full-backs out wide to create spaces to beat the high press. The Red Devils were dominated after the break with Mount and Fernandes being extremely ineffective in both pressing and attacking phases
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The choice of Casemiro as a single pivot was also a clear issue against Tottenham as it had been against Wolves. Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, and James Maddison were left to run at the Brazilian international and teammate Raphael Varane, causing mayhem around the box. Ultimately Sarr was rewarded for his efforts with a goal, while a botched attempt at a clearance by Martinez from a low cross helped Spurs to a 2-0 victory.
Injury News
News of an injury to Luke Shaw will have been devastating to United fans. Their consistent performer is expected to miss a number of weeks, if not months, after suffering a muscular injury during training. The club are still assessing the extent of his injury but it is believed he will be sidelined for “an extended period”.
Mason Mount has had a tough start to his career at Old Trafford and was criticised by Gary Neville for his ‘anonymous’ performance against Postecoglou’s Spurs. His fortunes are unlikely to improve for at least a few weeks, as he is the latest name to be added to the injury list. The England midfielder was substituted late in Saturday’s match, and while it is unclear what he is suffering from, it is understood that the injury is not severe.
Harry Maguire missed his side’s tie against Spurs, but is expected to return. Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton will all miss the fixture against Forest, alongside summer signing Rasmus Holjund.
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Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony, Sancho, Rashford
With Shaw and Malacia ruled out by injury, Diogo Dalot is likely to be pushed out to the left of defence to take over the England international’s ball-carrying duties. Elsewhere, Eriksen can be expected to take Mount’s place after featuring as a substitute in last Saturday’s defeat. Meanwhile, we tout Jadon Sancho to return after his promising performances on United’s pre-season tour.
Sancho has struggled to recreate his form from his time in Germany, where he notched 38 goals and 45 assists in 104 Bundesliga appearances.. A return to the left wing could help to launch a comeback for the 23-year-old.
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On the tactical side, the Red Devils prefer to attack directly in transitions as demonstrated by their approach to their first two matches, although these opportunities may be limited at home to Steve Cooper’s side. Forest will be expected to sit deep against Ten Hag’s men and will try to create chances on the counter, which will force United to show more creativity in possession.
Main Image credit: Craig Brown, CC BY 2.0
