The new manager momentum came through for Nottingham Forest as they defeated Manchester United at home for the first time since 1995. It was Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge of the Tricky Trees after replacing Steve Cooper, and his side overcame the visitors in a physical contest over 90 minutes.

Rasmus Hojlund missed the game due to illness, failing to build on his first Premier League goal in their last game against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Anthony Martial was also unavailable, leaving Marcus Rashford as the sole option for Ten Hag as the centre-forward.

Manchester United defeated by Nottingham Forest to make it another false dawn

Alejandro Garnacho Nottingham Forest — Via X

Things just haven’t been going Erik Ten Hag’s way this season, with the team now seventh in the table and very likely to drop down by the end of the Gameweek. They have also been eliminated from Europe altogether, after finishing last in their Champions League group.

Injuries haven’t helped their cause either, with several first team players sidelined. But this has allowed youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to step up. However, they weren’t able to break through against Forest.

Nicolas Dominguez gave Forest the lead after 64 minutes, but Marcus Rashford was able to equalise and get things back on level terms. However, a late counter attack goal from Morgan Gibbs-White earned Nuno Espirito Santo’s side all three points in his first game in charge.