Game Week 3 Predictions: Manchester United to beat Nottingham Forest

Manchester United must get back to winning ways when Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford on Sunday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest

Old Trafford

5:30pm

This game has drama written all over it for lots of reasons. Manchester United struggled at Tottenham last weekend and lost 2-0; their win against Wolves wasn’t pretty, and Forest would feel there’s something in there for them.

The Red Devils labored to beat the Wolves on the opening day and could have conceded a penalty if the referee and the VAR didn’t get a late incident wrong where Andre Onana clattered into a Wolves attacker in the United area.

Nottingham Forest has three points on the board, and that’s exactly the same as with United, but the visitors have scored more goals this season than the Red Devils, which amounts to something in the standings. This feels like a tiebreaker.

Forest beat Sheffield United last weekend, thanks to a late goal by Chris Wood after Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal was canceled by a deft Sheffield equalizer. Awoniyi has now scored in six straight games for Forest, a new record, and in that time, he has eight goals in total.

Manchester United will be without Mason Mount and Luke Shaw. The two will be out for a significant period, with Shaw looking likely to be out for up to two months at least. Injuries have forced Erik Ten Hag to look into the window as he tries to fortify his squad ahead of what would be a busy season.

Forest will defend deep and hope to hit United on the counter on Saturday. Awoniyi will be a threat up front, and Morgan Gibbs-White is another player United must keep an eye on. Anthony Elanga would seek to prove the Red Devils wrong, as he will be playing against his old club here.

Diogo Dalot is expected to fill in at left back for United here, and that’s some attacking options for them in that regard. Christian Eriksen is expected to replace Mount in midfield, with Scott McTominay set to have more playing time now.

Bruno Fernandes is yet to spring to life this season, and that must be why Marcus Rashford isn’t there yet either. Jadon Sancho and Anthony both have work to do to help the club, but Rasmus Hojlund is nearing fitness and could be available against Arsenal next weekend.

Verdict: United to win