Ruben Amorim saw a goal inside the opening two minutes for the third time in his five games in charge of Manchester United – but his side’s opponents were celebrating this time.
Serbia centre-back Nikola Milenkovic headed in Elliot Anderson’s corner to put Nottingham Forest ahead after two minutes at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The opener was the third successive goal United had conceded from set pieces following both of Arsenal’s goals in their 2-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Nikola Milenkovic nets his FIRST goal for Nottingham Forest! ⚽⚡ pic.twitter.com/Ni1AMQBydE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
United leave Milenkovic unmarked
“The corners they dealt with in midweek were inswinging, but this was outswinging,” former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Nikola Milenkovic is completely unmarked; he heads it straight like an arrow. That is basic and that is a really poor start from Man United.”
United vs Forest: Hojlund scores
United levelled in the 18th minute when Rasmus Hojlund slotted in from the rebound after Matz Sels saved Alejandro Garnacho’s effort.
Rasmus Hojlund gets the equaliser for Manchester United! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5k9SpnogA1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
The forward’s finish continued his prolific form in home games under Amorim, having proved United’s matchwinner against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League with two goals and an assist.
“It’s a lovely move and a poacher’s effort,” former Arsenal and England forward Alan Smith told Sky Sports. “Like any good centre-forward, you support the attack for things like that to happen.”
Silva hits bar for Forest
Forest arrived on the back of successive 3-0 away defeats at Arsenal and Manchester City but had the chance to go fifth with victory.
Portugal winger Jota Silva almost restored their lead, sending a 27th-minute header against the crossbar with goalkeeper Andre Onana beaten.
Two goals in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford ⚡⚡ pic.twitter.com/M4EHoUyNvP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
A draw would leave United 12th, while a third successive home win since appointing the Portuguese would move the 20-time champions ninth.
They have tended to start quickly under Amorim, with Marcus Rashford scoring at Ipswich Town after two minutes of his first game in charge and Alejandro Garnacho netting in the first minute against Bodo/Glimt.
