EPL: Amorim’s rocky start continues as Forest defeat Man United

Nottingham Forest scored twice in the second half to defeat Manchester United 3-2 on Saturday.

Forest outscored the Red Devils in the five-goal thriller to earn their first win at Old Trafford in 30 years.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s well-drilled side scored two minutes into each half to frustrate their hosts, who are leaking goals at their storied stadium at an alarming rate despite the change of managers.

Ola Aina, Super Eagles right-back, was instrumental in the away side’s victory, playing the entirety, while Taiwo Awoniyi was a 90th-minute substitute.

Manchester United continued to offer little confidence against an opponent thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City last weekend.

Nikola Milenković put Forest ahead as early as the second minute with a header from an out-swinging corner-kick, but the home side raised their level, and Rasmus Hojlund responded with the equaliser from a rebound on 18 minutes.

Both sides had more opportunities to take the lead before the interval, including Bruno Fernandes hitting the post from a free-kick, but both went in level.

United’s defensive frailties reared their ugly heads two minutes after the restart when Andre Onana inexplicably dived for a shot coming towards his initial position, allowing Morgan Gibbs-White to regain the lead for Forest. Seven minutes later, Chris Wood posted another header against the Cameroonian international for a commanding two-goal lead.

Fernandes would cut the lead with a well-struck shot following good wing play by Amad Diallo, but the former EPL champions could not find a leveler and settled for another loss.

The outcome is a second consecutive defeat for Ruben Amorim, Man United’s new manager, in the league after succumbing to his maiden loss at Arsenal last weekend.

The manager has managed just two victories in his first five games in charge.

United are rooted in 13th place, while Forest jumped to fifth on the EPL log with 25 points from 15 matches, ahead of Aston Villa by superior goal difference.

In earlier matches, Manchester City dropped points again after playing out a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, while Brentford served a six-goal thriller with a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United.

The much-anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed on safety grounds due to severe weather caused by a storm.

RESULTS
Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester City
Brentford 4-2 Newcastle United
Aston Villa 1-0 Southampton
Manchester United 2-3 Nottingham Forest