Manchester United will be aiming to end 2023 on a high with a victory at Nottingham Forest today.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways in stunning fashion against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. They trailed by two goals at the break, but made a terrific comeback to secure a 3-2 victory.
Alejandro Garnacho was the star of the show with a brace. Rasmus Hojlund also grabbed the headlines after registering his maiden Premier League goal which turned out to be the winner.
Manager Erik ten Hag will expect more of the same against Forest. Both Sofyan Amrabat and Luke Shaw could return to the squad this evening after missing the Villa game with minor injuries.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana had another mixed outing between the sticks. The Cameroon international was guilty of ball-watching as John McGinn’s free-kick found its way into the back of the net.
He redeemed himself in the second half with a strong save to keep United in the game. This could be his final appearance for the club before reporting for African Cup of Nations duty.
In defence, there could be a solitary change. We anticipate Shaw (valued by €38 million by Transfermarkt) to return in the left-back position. Diogo Dalot should switch to the right-back spot ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are expected to keep their places in the heart of the defence. Evans was brilliant against Villa and made a stunning goal-line clearance in the second half.
Ten Hag is unlikely to rest Kobbie Mainoo after another promising display in the number six role. He could be handed a breather in the upcoming FA Cup third round tie versus Wigan Athletic.
Christian Eriksen was impressive on his return to the starting XI with his clever distribution from deep-lying positions. The Dane is expected to occupy the number eight position today.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes was brilliant with his quick long balls against Villa. Against Forest, the Portuguese needs to do more of the same to string counter-attacks for United.
Fernandes will start in the number 10 role. The rest of the attack should stay the same too.
Marcus Rashford redeemed himself on his return to the XI with an assist for Garnacho. He should continue in his customary left-wing role with Garnacho on the opposite flank.
Hojlund was relieved to have ended his long wait for a Premier League goal. The fans will be hoping that he has turned the corner and can make another goal contribution at City Ground.
Anthony Martial has been ruled out again with illness and won’t make the squad.
How Man Utd could line up vs Nottingham Forest
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
