Erik Ten Hag Identifies Man United’s Main Problem After Defeat to Nottngham Forest

• Nottingham Forest recorded their first PL win over Manchester United in 29 years
• It was United’s 14 defeat across all competitions in 2023/24
• Erik ten Hag appeared to blame his side’s torrid campaign on injuries after the defeat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appeared to blame injuries for his side’s poor season after the latest loss to Nottingham Forest.

United ended 2023 with a new low as they suffered 14 losses across all competitions on Saturday, December 30.

It was Nottingham Forest’s first Premier League win against Manchester United in 29 years. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored a late goal when it looked like the visitors had salvaged a draw.

After a drab first half, Forest took the lead through Nicolas Dominguez, but Marcus Rashford drew the score level in the 78th minute as he capitalized on a mistake from Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner.

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But there was more drama to come as Turner redeemed himself with a fine save from Christian Eriksen’s effort, and Nottingham Forest sucker-punched their opponents with a devastating counterattack as former Red Devil Anthony Elanga cut the ball back to Gibbs-White, who struck the decisive blow.

What Ten Hag said after the match

After the game, Ten Hag was adamant his team was doing their best with what they had at the moment regarding their squad depth.

"We know the reasons why it is not working. No team can deal with so many issues and injuries we have gad. We should still have done better and we have depth in the squad. When you have so many injuries, the depth is not enough,” the gaffer told BBC.

On United’s performance, Ten Hag added, “First half performance was OK. We invested to do less in the final third. I think we should have created more. The second half we had moments when we conceded goals. Then we come back in the game and I think the game was ours and we went for 2-1 and then we conceded. We had our moments but it was not good enough to win here."

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Man United’s injury list

To put Ten Hag’s comments into context, Sports Brief looks at Manchester United’s absentees due to injury.

According to Pro Soccer Wire, United are without up to nine first-team players with various injuries.

Casemiro (thigh), Sofyan Amrabat (muscle), Mason Mount (calf), Victor Lindelof (groin), Harry Maguire (groin), Amad Diallo (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (ankle) and Luke Shaw (muscle) are all missing in action. Some of the players’ absence is being felt heavily.

What next for Man United?

United has the chance to salvage their season via the FA Cup, their next assignment.

Ten Hag and his wads will face League One side Wigan Athletic on Monday, January 8.

Ten Hag maintains he is the right man for the job

Erik ten Hag also defended himself in the wake of the Nottingham Forest defeat by insisting he is the right man for the job.

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As Sports Brief reported, United have already recorded nine defeats in 20 Premier League outings, with their latest loss coming at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Speaking after the Nottingham defeat, ten Hag said via talkSport:

“I am convinced and have a strong belief we (can) get more progress, consistency in this team. This is part of a project.