Forrest 2-2 United
Missed chance for four in a row

United came in after three wins on the bounce, and honestly, everyone expected more against a Forest side that looked like easy pickings. Sadly, that’s not how it played out. Right from kickoff, United looked a step slow. The match was flat and nothing really opened up for us. It’s Dyche’s Forest, after all – tight, hard to break down. We knew they’d do this, so why did it feel like such a shock?
Slow start, finding no space

Forest were compact, defending deep with Anderson doing a good job in midfield. That’s one of United’s big problems lately when a team sits back or doesn’t go all-out, we seem out of ideas. Funny, I’m writing this with Liverpool-Real Madrid on in the background. Liverpool didn’t mess around; their midfield pressed like crazy so there were no gaps. United, on the other hand, still have to run with tired Casemiro and even Bruno filling in those deep spots. It shows.
Casemiro with the goal

The first big moment came at the half-hour mark. United got a corner, Bruno swung it in and Casemiro smashed his header in for his third against Forest. Those two keep delivering something, even if sometimes Casemiro looks like he could use a break.
Losing the lead in two minutes

Second half started and things fell apart. Cunha pressed with Dalot, Cunha left his man. Yates crossed perfectly, Morgan Gibbs-White nodded it home. Amad was supposed to be marking him but no chance, that ball was just too good. Forest didn’t wait long for another. Two minutes after the first, another cross floated in, Dalot was sleeping and Savona finished easily. No chance for Lammens, United’s lead was gone just like that.
Missed opportunities

After going 2-1 down, United pushed but it wasn’t great. Mbeumo found Sesko with a nice ball but Sesko’s touch was heavy, and the chance was gone. A lot of players Sesko, Cunha, Mazraoui especially just didn’t get going. Dalot, too. He was poor again, and it’s a mystery why Dorgu isn’t starting more. Sure, Dorgu makes mistakes, but he wins cards, adds pressure. Dalot just isn’t doing enough lately.
Amad saves the day

The lifeline came in the 81st. Ball popped loose just outside the D, Amad took his chance and volleyed it through the crowd. Great goal, just pure instinct. United were back level, but overall it was a game that felt flat, and not in a good way. Amorim was right after the match: energy was missing. That shouldn’t be the case for a team playing once a week. It can’t be an excuse.
Not enough

Amad got the equaliser, but United left disappointed. We’ve got to see more life against teams that keep it slow or compact. The midfield needs work, set pieces still look shaky, and too many starters feel out of gas too early. Next up is Spurs, and hopefully some of the fresh legs get a shot. Till then, YANITED YANITED YANITED.
Leave a comment