Ruben Amorim took full responsibility for Manchester United’s ongoing struggles with defending set-pieces, emphasizing that it was his own shortcomings that led to Nottingham Forest’s first goal in their 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford. The goal, scored by Nikola Milenkovic in the second minute, came from a corner where Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt failed to contest the aerial challenge, leaving goalkeeper André Onana rooted to the spot.
The issue of set-piece defending has been a recurring problem for United, with both goals conceded in their midweek 2-0 loss to Arsenal also originating from corners. When pressed about the continued vulnerability in this area, Amorim did not shy away from accountability.
“When this happens, it is my fault because I am responsible,” he stated. “We work extensively on set-pieces, but the execution has not translated on the pitch. It’s a challenge, especially when you concede early. It takes a lot of energy to get back into the game, and although we managed to equalize, it was not enough to turn things around.”
United’s initial response came in the form of Rasmus Højlund’s composed finish in the 18th minute, leveling the score. However, the second half saw Nottingham Forest reclaim the advantage with Morgan Gibbs-White scoring just two minutes after the restart. Chris Wood extended the visitors’ lead in the 54th minute, leaving Bruno Fernandes’ late goal as a mere consolation in an otherwise frustrating match for United.
The result marked yet another setback for Amorim in his early tenure, with his Premier League record now standing at two losses, one draw, and one win, yielding just four points. Reflecting on the challenges of his role, Amorim drew parallels to his previous experiences at Sporting Lisbon, noting the increased scrutiny that comes with managing a global powerhouse like Manchester United.
“I’ve been through difficult periods before, like in the early days at Sporting,” he explained. “The difference here is the level of attention. At a club like Manchester United, every result is magnified, and the pressure is immense. For me, the process remains the same. It’s about staying focused, improving every day, and trusting that the hard work will eventually pay off.”
Despite the disappointing result, Amorim maintained a calm and determined outlook, emphasizing the need for consistency in their approach. “We already knew this would be a long journey. This is a massive club, and every defeat is deeply felt. The key is to focus on performance. We need to keep improving in every aspect and carry this mindset into our training and preparation.”
For Nottingham Forest, the victory was historic, marking their first win at Old Trafford since December 1994. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo expressed immense pride in his team’s performance and the significance of the achievement. “This is a huge moment for the club,” he said. “We’ve been away from the big stage for so long, and to secure a result like this at a place like Old Trafford is incredibly special.”
The defeat underscored the challenges facing Amorim as he attempts to stabilize Manchester United’s form. While there were flashes of attacking promise, particularly in Højlund’s movement and Fernandes’ leadership, defensive frailties remain a critical issue. The manager’s insistence on accountability and his focus on continuous improvement will be pivotal in navigating this difficult period and restoring confidence among his players and supporters alike.
United now face the daunting task of regrouping and addressing these vulnerabilities, with the spotlight firmly fixed on Amorim’s ability to turn potential into results. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Portuguese coach remains steadfast in his belief that perseverance and commitment will ultimately lead to success.
