Coach Erik ten Hag has a headache

Man Utd will host Nottingham Forest at home in the third round of the Premier League. Victory is a must for coach Erik ten Hag and his team as they have shown weakness in this year's tournament. On the opening day, Man Utd barely beat Wolves in a match where they were at risk of conceding many goals. However, Varane's header saved the Red Devils from a bitter defeat.

But luck was no longer with Bruno Fernandes and his teammates when they faced Tottenham. The Portuguese midfielder still played well but his efforts were not enough. Man Utd lost completely to their opponents in the second half and the defeat was understandable. The only thing that Man Utd could "blame" was the referee's refusal of their penalty when the ball touched Romero's hand.

The goal is to beat Nottingham, but before they even take the field, Man Utd are already having trouble with their squad. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are both injured and will be out for the next few weeks. Mount's position doesn't worry coach Erik ten Hag too much because he still has Eriksen or McTomminay.

But when Shaw cannot play, it is a difficult problem both in terms of personnel and expertise on the field. Reserve left-back Malacia is also unable to play. Man Utd often develop the ball from the left wing when Shaw and Martinez are available. Diogo Dalot is almost the most likely choice in Shaw's position when Brandon Williams is also preparing to leave the team.

In such circumstances, earning 3 points against Nottingham Forest is not necessarily an easy goal for the Old Trafford team. Nottingham Forest is not strong but is leaving an initial impression in this year's season. Losing 1-2 to Arsenal on the opening day, Awoniyi and his teammates quickly found joy against newcomer Sheffield.

Awoniyi is currently the shining star of Nottingham's attack. He has scored 2 goals in 2 matches. The Nigerian striker's physical strength is undeniable. He is capable of causing trouble for Man Utd's weak and unprotected defense.

Prediction: Man Utd 2-2 Nottingham

Expected lineup:

Man Utd: Onana, Varane, Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Martínez, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen, Rashford, Antony, Sancho.

Nottingham Forest: Turner, Aurier, Boly, McKenna, Worrall, Williams, Mangala, Gibbs-White, Danilo, Awoniyi, Johnson.

Mai Phuong

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