The contemporary fortunes of Manchester United will differ depending on who you speak with following Saturday’s draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
For some, the outcome will feel like a loss and further evidence that Ruben Amorim is not fit for purpose. For others, it is an opportunity missed, but the result extends an unbeaten run to four ahead of a trip to North London.
That is the nature of the world we live in as football supporters.
Unfortunately, certain characters are purely contracted to uphold the values of notoriety and will ensure this remains the prominent agenda, however tiresome it may be.
As I stated on a recent episode of the Theatre of Red Podcast, this is comparable to the noise of a sexually frustrated terrier barking at its shadow, and you would be better to cast it aside at your earliest convenience.
Contrary to these unsurprising responses over the weekend, Amorim’s side remains within touching distance of where it needs to be. Additionally, they are behind only Arsenal in the form guide since the beginning of October.
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are unbeaten since September
Saturday was frustrating, particularly after United climbed into second place following Casemiro’s first-half header.
Inevitably, a couple of minutes of self-inflicted defensive calamities swung the tide and turned a fourth consecutive victory into an altogether different dynamic against Sean Dyche’s men.
But that is football, ladies and gentlemen, and despite our greatest desires, Manchester United are going to endure disappointments throughout the remainder of the season.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity about two points dropped, focus on the fact that this side had the capabilities to pick themselves up, fight back, and nearly snatch three points at the death.
That has not been the hallmark of a United team for quite some time.
To clarify, I am not settling for mediocrity here; I am simply refusing to drag the perils of last season into today’s conversation about our Portuguese coach.
Everyone is aware of the shambles we witnessed on our way to a 15th-place finish. However, as Omar Berrada has already stated, this allowed Amorim to prepare for this season, and at the time of writing, his side sits two points off second place in the Premier League.
The issue is the ever-moving goalposts and a dated narrative which refuses to accept any form of progression in Manchester. One minute, the task is to finish in the top half; the next is a discussion about a title charge.
Of course, there is plenty of work ongoing, and the defence – while impressive in various metrics – is conceding an awful lot of opportunities.
Thankfully, the attacking element is coming together nicely, and a total of 10 goals from the previous four outings betters Chelsea (seven), Arsenal (six), Manchester City (six) and Liverpool (six).
Remember, this season is focused solely on progression. As of November 3, 2024, United sat 13th, 11 points off second place with a -3 goal difference. Are we not witnessing progress?
| Nottingham Forest | Manchester United | |
| Possession | 41% | 59% |
| Total Shots | 17 | 18 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 4 | 1 |
| Passes | 350 | 525 |
| Corner Kicks | 8 | 5 |
| Fouls | 17 | 0 |
Statistics via sofascore.com
What we saw yesterday was a quintessential, unapologetic Dyche performance, where Forest defended with 11 men, broke at pace, delivered lofted crosses into the area and fought tooth and nail for secondary breaking balls.
United players were the architects of their own downfall, and this is the byproduct of the ongoing project to restore a winning mentality and premier mindset within the dressing room.
Without intentionally singling out any individual, because the results come and go as a collective, the left side of this systematic approach will surely require attention in January.
But by and large, the transitional desire was evident from early on, and a slightly misplaced final ball spoiled several well-worked passages of interplay.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brilliant once more, and their influence is growing stronger with every passing performance. While Amad, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro continue to impress.
However, for the ‘experts’ who choose to bemoan Benjamin Sesko’s output, the boy is 22 and has played 586 minutes of Premier League football. Why attempt to recreate the same nonsensical situation we saw for Rasmus Hojlund?
When all is said and done, this team and its Portuguese leader will be judged after 38 league outings, regardless of the opinions of some jaded ex-professional.
Backtrack to that forgettable August evening against Grimsby, and the lows you felt at Blundell Park.
If I had told you then that this side would win five, draw one, and lose two in the aftermath, including an overdue Anfield victory, you’d have snapped my hand off.
As I stated at the beginning, you can choose to moan about a draw, or you can realise the year-on-year improvements and recognise the unbeaten run Amorim is coaching.
It really is that simple.
Let us know your thoughts about this Manchester United team in the comments or on our socials.
Image via manutd.com.
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