While Nuno Espirito Santo remains unsure how Ruben Amorim will put Manchester United on track on Saturday, he expects Nottingham Forest to face a tough test at Old Trafford.
Forest were beaten 3-0 by Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday, their third defeat in their last four games.
However, they remain within striking distance of the top five ahead of a second successive away match in Manchester where they take on Ruben Amorim's United.
United suffered their first defeat under the former Sporting CP coach on Wednesday, losing 2-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
With Amorim still getting to grips with his new side, Nuno is unsure what tactical challenges to expect, but he is confident United will face a major challenge.
The former Wolves boss said: “Their results are difficult to predict because Ruben is changing a lot at the moment.
“I think he's trying to get to know the players better. The idea is there, we don't know exactly who's going to play, but they certainly have quality players.”
“They are good quality and have talented players. The form is there. The staff and the players… we can't identify who will start, but our approach is always the same.”
“Let's focus on the things they did, but let's also look at gaining the advantage. It's always a tough place to go, but let's focus on being positive about the game.”
Nuno gives a taste of our trip to Old Trafford.
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 5, 2024
United conceded two goals from corners in their midweek defeat to the Gunners, prompting defender Matthijs de Ligt to demand improvements.
“Ultimately we are Manchester United,” De Ligt told MUTV. “We lost again and yes, it's easy, it's not good enough.
“So we know that, we will work hard. We have to improve, and in two or three days the next match is, so that will be another very important match for us, to show again what we have learned from this match and get the three points.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has been involved in 11 goals in his last 10 appearances at Old Trafford (four goals, seven assists), and has been responsible for six goals in his last four Premier League games (two goals, four assists).
He never scored or assisted five times in a row in the league at Old Trafford, while Marcus Rashford was the last United player to do so in total (seven in 2022/23).
@B_Fernandes8 is among the nominees for November's @PremierLeague Player of the Month award.
Vote for our skipper #MUFC || #PL
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2024
Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood
Wood has scored 12 goals in his last 14 away Premier League games for Nottingham Forest, making it three goals in a row before Wednesday's defeat to the Etihad.
He missed a glorious chance when Forest were one goal down last time out and will be determined to atone here.
MATCH PREDICTION – MANCHESTER UNITED WIN
Man United have won six of their seven home Premier League games against Forest, the exception being a 2-1 defeat in December 1994.
They also scored in all 14 Premier League games against Forest, their joint best 100% scoring record against an opponent in the competition along with Swansea City.
The Red Devils won 3-0 against Leicester City and 4-0 against Everton in their last two Premier League home games.
Since February 2021, they have not scored three or more goals in three consecutive home league games, having last done so while winning each time in December 2018.
With United also beating Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, Amorim has won both of its home games so far. Only five managers have won their first three at home to the Red Devils, most recently Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018. -19.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Manchester United – 55.9%
Nottingham Forest – 21.4%
Draw – 22.7%
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