Manchester United

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the loss against Nottingham Forest: "First half performance was OK. We invested to do less in the final third. I think we should have created more.

"The second half we had moments when we conceded goals. Then we come back in the game and I think the game was ours and we went for 2-1 and then we conceded. We had our moments but it was not good enough to win here."

On the need to be more consistent: "We know that. We have to make our performances consistent and have to do better. A game is 90 minutes and we have to invest from the first minute on.

"We are hopeful that many players will be back in the new year and they will strengthen the team and the squad.

"We know the reasons why it is not working. No team can deal with so many issues and injuries we have gad. We should still have done better and we have depth in the squad. When you have so many injuries, the depth is not enough."

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "The result is clear. It's disappointing. Losing 1-0 you get a comeback and we were good but in a counter moment we gave a goal way.

"The loss was unnecessary. We lost it in the first half. We weren't energised enough or invested enough.

"I thought against Villa we played well in the first half, we conceded from set plays. We should invest more in the first half.

"In the second we were better. In the first half we should have created some moments and we didn't. We know these results are below our standards"

Meanwhile, the pressure intensifies on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

Here is what he has had to say after watching his side slump to their latest defeat.

It really could be a massive moment in Forest's season.

They have won consecutive Premier League games for the first time since January, having won just one of their previous 14 before this victory.

It's now two wins from three under Nuno Espirito Santo, following Steve Cooper's sacking.

Nottingham Forest

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More from Morgan Gibbs-White, speaking to Sky Sports: "I've been working on my finishing this season. Before I've been rushing things but now I'm starting to take my time, be composed and pick my spot. Luckily tonight it went in and not over the bar!

"That's my main position but I can play in other positions. I think to get the best out of me it's playing in the pockets.

"At Wolves I had my best times growing up under [Nuno Espirito Santo] and I learned so much. I had a great relationship at Wolves and I needed time to develop. Now, I've got that game experience and have matured as a man. I feel we have an incredible relationship now and it's starting to show on the pitch.

"We've had some good performances as a team and he just said thanks for trusting in the game plan. It makes you want to play for him even more."

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest goalscorer Morgan Gibbs-White speaking to Sky Sports: "I got a dead leg at the end but I'll be fine. It's been a busy Christmas period but we have to continue.

"It's absolutely incredible. It puts us in such a good position going forward. We all know how hard this period is and I think the boys have been incredible. Credit to the players and the manager for sticking to the way we wanted to play.

"We know United's counter-attack was always going to be a threat and I think we dealt with that in the first half. In the second half we wanted to go for the game and that left us vulnerable at time. But I thought the boys players excellent and we fully deserved the three points.

"It's massive. Last season our record at home was incredible. We haven't been too good this season but we are starting to pick it up now. Our fans are incredible and they deserve it more than anyone."

First, let's hear from Nottingham Forest's matchwinner Morgan Gibbs-White, who delivered the decisive moment in style in the 82nd minute.

Erik ten Hag is trying to remain positive and believes his side will be stronger once key players return in January.

All the reaction from Nottingham Forest's famous win over Manchester United coming right up.

Robbie Savage
Ex-Wales midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live's 606

You are looking at the standards of players like Antony. He will develop but at Manchester United is the number of goals and assists he has good enough? No.

He is a young player, he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world and he needs time to settle.

But has he been good enough? Absolutely not.

The numbers certainly do not make for pleasant reading for Erik ten Hag.

United have lost as many as nine of their opening 20 league games of a season for the first time since 1989-90.

Their nine defeats so far are as many as they suffered in the whole of Ten Hag's debut season in charge in 2022-23.

They have also lost 21 games in all competitions in 2023. Only in three other years - 1930 (28), 1972 (25) and 1921 (24) - have they ever lost more in a calendar year.

It is now 14 defeats in all competitions for Manchester United so far this season. The last time they had more at the turn of the year was 1930-31.

Joel: 9 defeats in 20 Premier League games. There's no debate to be had. Ten Hag has to go.

Paul: 9 defeats in first 20 games? If ETH wants to keep his job then I would be shipping half the squad out. I've yet to see any English player as over rated as Rashford.

The speculation around Erik ten Hag's future continues to grow following this latest setback.

After a step in the right direction in midweek, they take another two back tonight as they leave the City Ground empty-handed following another disappointing showing.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group now in control of football operations at the club, will they deem change necessary? Do keep your thoughts coming in.

Chris Sutton
Former Celtic striker on BBC Radio 5 Live's 606

I had someone message me earlier asking if Manchester are the most boring team in the Premier League.

You know what, it's hard to argue with that.

Forest won the game with their only two shots on target, with Morgan Gibbs-White's superb winner contributing to an expected goals value that was actually lower than Manchester United's (0.74 compared to 0.77 xG).

But United, missing striker Rasmus Hojlund, were sorely lacking in the final third - and only Matt Turner's error gave them hope of earning a result.

Erik ten Hag's side are seventh, now nine points off the top four at the halfway stage, and they could be as low as ninth by the end of this latest round of fixtures.

James: This is so bad. No clue no plan no identity anymore and no desire. It’s so bad. The 3-2 versus Villa papered over the cracks again. ETH needs to be moved on. The players don’t understand him and what he wants. So obvious. Disgusting how the richest club in the world has the worst elite team.

Anon: I can’t see EtH surviving much longer. It’s clear the players are a big part of the problem but I can’t see what he is trying to achieve. I don’t know what the style is, there seems no plan, no effort, players stropping at one another. Maybe INEOS thinking a new manager for a new start.

Paul Robinson
Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Two huge angles to look at this game from. Forest, it was gritty, it was determined and it was full of pride and passion and belief.

From Manchester United, there were too many players not at the standard that they need to be.

A huge win for Nottingham Forest, who move five points clear of the relegation places in 15th.

Forest have beaten Manchester United for the first time in the Premier League since December 1994, ending a run of nine games without a win against them.

The crowd are bouncing!

Hold on, one more chance for United?

It's drama right until the very end but Christian Eriksen pulls his last-gasp shot wide and the full-time whistle goes.

The celebrations can begin at the City Ground!

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Matt Turner, from villain to hero, catches a cross to cheers from the home crowd and that might just about be that!

The 10 minutes of added time are almost up.

United are in the Forest half but not really going anywhere.