Exclusive: Man United Haunted by ‘Outstanding’ Former Player as Ruben Amorim’s Struggles Continue | OneFootball

Exclusive: Former Man United Assistant Manager Heaps Praise on ‘Outstanding’ Star

Manchester United’s struggles continued last night as Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest. The defeat leaves the Red Devils all the way down in 13th place in the Premier League table, whilst the victory for Forest consolidates their position in third place, with UEFA Champions League football edging closer.

Things had started to look a bit better for Amorim, with United being unbeaten in four games across all competitions prior to last night.

However, a first-half strike from former player Anthony Elanga sent Nuno Esipirito Santo’s side on their way to three points.

Former Man United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the game and Elanga’s impressive performance…

Man United’s Performance

When asked about his overall thoughts on the game, Meulensteen acknowledged the fine margins in the game but also pointed out what went wrong for United.

“It was a game of two halves,” began Meulensteen, “First-half, I thought Man United were the better team and Forest managed to score an outstanding goal against the run of play.”

Photo: IMAGO

“Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes kept finding these gaps to play in, but couldn’t really make anything of it,” continued Meulensteen, “But I also think that was more due to the way that Nottingham Forest were set up.”

“Second-half, Forest were comfortably the better team up until there was about ten minutes left and then United started to ramp up the pressure. By the end of the game, United had recorded 20 shots but very few were actually on target or threatening at all,” said Meulensteen.

It has been an ongoing issue with Manchester United’s season, with Amorim’s side often relying on a moment of brilliance from either Fernandes or the currently-injured Amad Diallo.

The Red Devils have only managed to score 37 goals in 30 Premier League games so far this season. Only six teams have managed to score fewer, with Crystal Palace, Everton, West Ham United, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton also struggling in that department.

“Outstanding” Elanga Haunts Former Side

The 22-year-old winger was sold by Manchester United in the summer of 2023, for a fee of just £15million. Elanga has now went on to become one of the most exciting prospects in the league and has played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s resurgence.

So far this season, he has managed six goals and eight assists in the Premier League, which is a level of output that Man United have been crying out for from the likes of Garnacho, for example.

Photo: IMAGO

In total, Elanga has managed 28 direct goal involvements in 66 Premier League appearances since his move to Forest almost two years ago.

Meulensteen was keen to point out how impressed he was by the Swedish youngster, who scored the winner in last night’s game.

“I thought he was deservedly named Man of the Match, because he was simply outstanding,” said Meulensteen.

“He’s so quick, direct and strong and it was an absolutely fantastic goal.”

Of course, the Financial Fair Play regulations have placed extra pressure on clubs to cash in on their academy graduates, but surely Man United will be regretting their choice to let Elanga go after last night’s display…