Ruben Amorim saw a goal inside two minutes for the third time in his five games in charge of Manchester United – but his team’s opponents were celebrating this time.
Serbia centre-back Nikola Milenkovic headed home Elliott Anderson’s corner to put Nottingham Forest ahead after two minutes at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
The opener was United’s third successive goal from set-pieces after Arsenal scored twice in their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Nikola Milenkovic scores 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 faced in midweek were surprising, but that was unexpected,” former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Nikola Milenkovic is completely insignificant. he directs it straight as an arrow. That’s key and that’s a very bad start from Manchester United.”
United v Forest: Hoylund scores
United equalized in the 18th minute when Rasmus Hoylund headed in from the rebound after Madge Sels had saved Alejandro Garnazzo’s effort.
Rasmus Hoylund equalized for Manchester United! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5k9SpnogA1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
The forward finish continued his prolific form at home under Amorim, proving United’s winner against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League with two goals and an assist.
“It’s a great move and a poacher’s effort,” former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports. Like any good centre-forward, you support the attack for things like this to happen.
Silva hits the post for Forest
Forest arrived on the back of back-to-back 3-0 away defeats at Arsenal and Manchester City, but had the chance to go fifth with a win.
Portuguese winger Yota Silva almost restored their lead, sending a 27th-minute header onto the crossbar with goalkeeper Andre Onana to beat.
Two goals in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford âš¡âš¡ pic.twitter.com/M4EHoUyNvP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 7, 2024
A draw would leave United in 12th place, while a third successive home win following the Portuguese’s appointment would take 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 scoring in the first minute against Bodo/Glimt.
