Seeking to pick themselves up from a disappointing Premier League defeat last weekend, Manchester United will welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford on Saturday.
After scraping past a spirited Wolves with a 1-0 victory on the opening weekend of the new season, the Red Devils fell to a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. So, a big performance at home to Nottingham Forest is expected from Erik ten Hag’s men this weekend.
However, Forest, who are looking to claim their first top-flight away win since January, will pose a tricky challenge as they head into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 success over newly-promoted Sheffield United.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have been dealt with a double injury blow this week with Mason Mount and Luke Shaw ruled out for weeks due to hamstring and muscle issue, respectively.
It's matchday at the Theatre of Dreams! 🙌#MUFC || #MUNNFO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 26, 2023
Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund could be included in the matchday squad for the first time as he recovers from a back problem that has hampered his start at Man United.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana was solid again against Spurs and it is clear he is going to help the team a lot with his distribution skills. He will be hoping to shut the shop as quickly as possible against Forest.
Defence
Luke Shaw’s injury will force Ten Hag to make changes to Manchester United’s defence which has looked shaky and uninspiring over the two games. With Tyrell Malacia also sidelined, Diogo Dalot could deputise for Shaw in defence, operating as an inverted full-back and coming into midfield when required.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a certainty to retain his place at right-back, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez continuing their partnership in central defence. The United back four must defend well to keep the Taiwo Awoniyi-led Forest attack at bay.
Midfield
United have notably lost midfield battles against Wolves and Spurs respectively, which is sure to be a concern for Ten Hag. Mason Mount misses out due to a hamstring injury, which will likely lead to a recall for Christian Eriksen. The Dane, essaying his role as a No.8 alongside enforcer Casemiro, will bring balance and control to the midfield.
The skipper and the creative glue of the team, Bruno Fernandes, will operate in his favoured No.10 role and look to use his incisive passing and vision to unlock the Forest defence.
Attack
As well as lacking control in midfield in both fixtures, the Red Devils also looked toothless and bereft of ideas in attack. Marcus Rashford has not pulled up trees playing as a centre-forward, so Ten Hag could decide to move the Englishman to his favoured position on the left flank. This could open the door for Jadon Sancho’s first start of the season, with Anthony Martial still not fully fit to lead United’s attack.
Against an opponent where Manchester United are likely to dominate the ball, Sancho could operate as a false 9 and bring flexibility to the team. On the right flank, Ten Hag is likely to continue persisting with Antony, even if he is not necessarily worthy of retaining his spot in the team after two substandard displays.
If Rasmus Hojlund is fit enough to be on the bench, he could get at least 15 minutes against Steve Cooper’s side.
