Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Jake Bayliss

Match of the Day pundits send Nottingham Forest ‘alarm’ and give Man Utd handball verdict

Match of the Day pundits have given their verdict on Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Manchester United and shared their views on the Harry Maguire handball incident.

Forest headed into the game knowing they needed a huge performance at the City Ground to help boost their survival hopes. Keylor Navas certainly rose to the occasion with several impressive saves to frustrate Erik ten Hag’s side.

Despite his best efforts, though, Antony was able to put Man United ahead in the first half before Diogo Dalot ensured defeat for Forest on Sunday. It is a result that leaves the Reds in the bottom three but level on points with Everton in 17th and Match of the Day 2 pundits pointed to a lack of attacking intent from Forest as the reason for their poor run of form.

READ MORE: Serge Aurier drops injury hint in Nottingham Forest message

READ MORE: Cooper makes Nottingham Forest admission after Man United defeat

“ It certainly is (a muddle),” Nedum Onuoha said on Match of the Day 2 . “ I think what makes it worse is, whatever combination we see them go for doesn’t really work. It seems like Brennn Johnson’s done well, Awoniyi was doing well for a while before he got injured but, again, they didn’t look that dangerous today.

“When you see the fact that those two are up there and Gibbs-White, the creativity behind them, what do they create? The answer is very little and that sends an alarm because this Manchester United defence today is one most Man United fans are uncomfortable with.

“Yet, overall, they didn’t feel that much pressure, especially at the City Ground, which should be a tough place to get points”, he continued.

“It’s a shame for them because their home form is something that was giving them hope, not that long ago.”

Fellow pundit Jill Scott looked at Forest’s midfield and questioned whether the Reds were playing a possession-based or counter-attacking style under Steve Cooper. However, Forest could have been given an early gift when the ball struck Harry Maguire’s arm, with the game still goalless. Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman explained that VAR chose not to award a spot kick because the incident had taken place in a congested area.

"I was surprised it wasn’t given,” admitted Onuoha. “I think there was something (Cooper) said about them missing it. I don’t think they’ve missed it, I think they’ve seen it and decided that’s fine. That’s what I don’t understand, why’s that fine?”

Jill Scott added: “I did feel like there was a lot going on. When I played I was all limbs as well, so I’m kind of going to stick up for Harry Maguire here! Obviously, the ball does hit his arm but it is a congested area.”

Forest had already caused Maguire to be shown an early yellow card as he wrestled Taiwo Awoniyi to the ground in the third minute.However, Onuoha believed that the Reds should have focused more of their attacks towards Maguire, having already committed an early error.

“We see the way this game started with that American Football tackle from Harry Maguire,” Onuoha said, “when somebody is on a yellow card like that, this is the type of thing that I would’ve expected to see more (targeting Maguire). Go and apply the pressure.”

Do you agree with the Match of the Day pundits? Tell us in the comments section..

READ NEXT:

Roy Keane responds to Steve Cooper complaint in Nottingham Forest defeat vs Man Utd

Cooper blasts 'really, really bad error' in Nottingham Forest defeat

Bruno Fernandes reveals Keylor Navas conversation following Nottingham Forest defeat vs Man Utd

Nottingham Forest player ratings - Felipe and Navas impress as Reds beaten by Man United

‘Men against boys’ - Nottingham Forest receive angry response after Man Utd defeat

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.