It is Nottingham Forest away that await Erik ten Hag as Manchester United look to wrap up 2023 with back-to-back victories.
The Red Devils staged an incredible comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. With the much-needed victory over Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag’s boys ended a four-game winless run across all competitions and climbed to sixth in the Premier League table as a result.
The Mancunian club will be bidding to enter 2024 on a high but face a tricky challenge at Nottingham Forest, who stunned Newcastle United 3-1 at St James’ Park on Boxing Day.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw and Sofyan Amrabat were absent against Aston Villa with minor knocks and the duo look likely to miss the trip to Nottingham Forest.
Amad Diallo has been part of the group training in recent weeks and could be included in the squad at the weekend, but the likes of Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount are not expected back until the New Year.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana looked slightly shaky again against Aston Villa and was partly at fault for their opening goal but is expected to keep his place in goal. He will be hoping to end 2023 with a clean sheet at City Ground.
Defence
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will likely continue at centre-back in the Man United lineup.
With Luke Shaw unlikely to be fit in time to face Forest, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka must continue operating from the left-back and right-back position respectively in the Man United lineup.
Man United’s defensive quartet have to stay focused and disciplined to keep the Forest attackers at bay, especially Chris Wood, who will be coming into the game off the back of a fine hat-trick against Newcastle.
Midfield
Ten Hag could stick with the midfield duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen after they performed well on Boxing Day. With Mainoo holding, Eriksen would get the license to play his natural game and initiate attacks from deep.
Bruno Fernandes, of course, will be deployed in the No.10 role in the Man United lineup, and the Portuguese must take up the responsibility of unlocking the Forest backline. Scott McTominay will start on the bench again.
Attack
Starting Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank and recalling Marcus Rashford back on the left worked tremendously well for the Man United attack as the duo wreaked havoc in the second half against Villa and helped Rasmus Hojlund open his Premier League account. The Red Devils’ front three will be high on confidence and raring to go again on Saturday, with Antony expected to remain on the bench.
Antony, Facundo Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri and McTominay will be vying to make an impact if called upon by the manager.