SportManchester United fired off more than 22 attempts trying to find the net against Nottingham Forest, with one player squandering around six clear opportunities without scoring. Ruben Amorim was visibly frustrated.

Manchester United’s recent encounter with Nottingham Forest was a night filled with frustration, disappointment, and missed opportunities, with one player’s performance coming under heavy scrutiny. Despite dominating the match and registering over 22 attempts on goal, Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat at the City Ground. The loss was particularly galling for United fans, given that the team had more than enough chances to take the lead, yet failed to find the back of the net. The main talking point of the match, however, was the woeful profligacy of Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward, who wasted several clear-cut opportunities that could have changed the course of the game.

The match started poorly for Manchester United when former Red Devil Anthony Elanga, now playing for Forest, seized on a defensive error from the United backline. Elanga capitalized on the lapse to score a brilliant solo goal in the opening five minutes. After collecting the ball near the halfway line, Elanga charged forward with blistering pace, leaving United defenders trailing in his wake, before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Andre Onana to give Forest an early lead. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and placed United on the back foot right from the start.

Despite the early setback, Manchester United reacted well and immediately began to take control of the game. The team dominated possession, created numerous chances, and continuously pushed for an equalizer. However, their attacking play lacked the clinical edge required to break down Forest’s defense. United were clearly the superior side in terms of ball control and attacking play, but their finishing left much to be desired.

The player who stood out for all the wrong reasons was Zirkzee, who had a particularly disastrous performance. Leading the line for United, Zirkzee missed several clear-cut opportunities, leaving manager Ruben Amorim visibly furious on the sidelines. One of the most glaring misses came when Zirkzee found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Forest goalkeeper, Matz Sels. With the goal at his mercy, Zirkzee inexplicably fired straight at Sels, failing to capitalize on what should have been a straightforward chance. The miss was met with frustration from Amorim, who was seen gesturing angrily at the player.

Zirkzee’s poor performance didn’t end there. Another chance saw him fail to properly connect with a well-placed cross from Bruno Fernandes. The ball was delivered perfectly into the striker’s path, but Zirkzee could only head the ball wide from just six yards out. As the game wore on, Zirkzee continued to spurn chances, with the frustration growing both on the pitch and in the stands. Fans took to social media to voice their disbelief at the striker’s inability to hit the target, with one particularly harsh comment summarizing the mood: “22 shots, six sitters, and Zirkzee can’t hit the target—Amorim’s got every right to lose it.”

Amorim, who had taken over as Manchester United’s manager only a few weeks prior, appeared to be at his wit’s end as he paced up and down the touchline, clearly irritated by his team’s inability to convert. The Portuguese manager was visibly upset after each miss, and cameras caught him openly criticizing Zirkzee’s finishing, signaling that the striker’s lack of composure in front of goal was wearing thin. Amorim’s frustration was palpable, and it was clear that he was not prepared to tolerate such wastefulness from his players.

Despite United’s persistent pressure, Forest held firm defensively, with their backline doing well to block shots and frustrate the visitors. The resilient defensive display from Nottingham Forest made it difficult for United to create clear chances in the latter stages of the match. Forest’s defensive discipline, combined with their ability to launch dangerous counterattacks, kept United at bay for most of the second half. Even though Forest only had a few chances on goal, they appeared more clinical than United, who continued to squander opportunities.

In contrast to United’s attacking struggles, Forest’s one key moment in the first half proved to be the difference. Elanga’s early goal was enough to see the hosts take all three points, as United failed to capitalize on their superior possession and chances. As the final whistle blew, the Forest fans erupted in celebration, not only for the victory but also for securing a historic league double over Manchester United. This was the first time since 1992 that Nottingham Forest had managed to beat United home and away in the same season, a significant achievement for a team that has struggled in recent years.

For Manchester United, the defeat leaves them in a precarious position in the Premier League standings. The club is now in 13th place, with just 37 points, an alarming spot for a club with aspirations of challenging for the title. Amorim, who was brought in to steady the ship and guide the team to better results, is now facing a massive rebuilding job. The loss to Forest highlights the glaring deficiencies in the squad, particularly in attack, where United’s lack of clinical finishing has been an ongoing issue.

One of the key talking points following the match is Zirkzee’s future in the starting XI. The Dutch forward, who was brought in with the expectation that he would provide a consistent goal-scoring threat, has struggled to live up to expectations this season. Zirkzee’s lack of composure in front of goal has led many fans to question whether he is the right fit for United’s attacking needs. In 29 appearances this season, Zirkzee has managed just three goals, an underwhelming return for a player tasked with leading the line for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Zirkzee’s poor form has intensified calls for Rasmus Højlund, another striker in United’s squad, to be given a chance in the starting lineup. Many fans believe that Højlund offers a more clinical presence up front, and his inclusion in the team could provide the spark needed to turn United’s fortunes around. Højlund’s clinical ability in front of goal is seen as a crucial asset, and many supporters are urging Amorim to make the change sooner rather than later.

In the aftermath of the game, Amorim addressed the media and his players, and it was clear that the manager was deeply frustrated by the outcome. Bruno Fernandes, one of the few players who had shown some creativity and effort, was seen shaking his head in frustration as he made his way off the pitch. The Portuguese midfielder had worked tirelessly throughout the game, but even his best efforts couldn’t salvage the result. Amorim, reportedly, was seen having a heated post-match talk with his players in the dressing room, likely discussing the failings that had led to the defeat.

Looking ahead, Amorim faces a crucial decision regarding Zirkzee’s role in the team. The striker’s lack of form has made it difficult for United to rely on him, and with key fixtures approaching, including an important clash against Chelsea, Amorim may need to make significant changes to his attacking lineup. The United manager cannot afford another wasteful display like the one against Forest, as the club’s hopes of securing a higher finish in the Premier League continue to fade.

Ultimately, the defeat to Nottingham Forest serves as a wake-up call for both Amorim and his squad. The inability to finish chances has been a consistent problem throughout the season, and unless this issue is addressed, United’s struggles in the league will likely continue. The team’s attacking inefficiencies have cost them dearly, and it’s clear that changes need to be made if the club is to regain its competitive edge. United’s next game will be crucial, not just in terms of their position in the Premier League, but also in restoring faith among their frustrated supporters.

The pressure is now on Ruben Amorim to find a solution to United’s attacking woes. The manager will need to decide whether to continue with Zirkzee, hoping that the striker will find his form, or whether it’s time to give Højlund a chance in the starting lineup. One thing is certain—United cannot afford another performance like this, and changes could be coming sooner rather than later.