Manchester 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, publicly calling out a Manchester United star for failing to convert even once, despite facing an unguarded goal on multiple occasions.

Manchester United’s frustrating night at the City Ground ended in disappointment as they fell 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, despite dominating the game and registering over 22 shots. The major talking point of the match was the shocking profligacy of one of their attackers—believed to be Joshua Zirkzee—who wasted multiple clear-cut chances, leaving manager Ruben Amorim visibly furious on the sidelines.

The match began on a disastrous note for United when former Red Devil Anthony Elanga capitalized on a defensive lapse to score a stunning solo goal within the first five minutes. The Swedish winger sprinted the length of the field before coolly slotting past Andre Onana, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and putting United on the back foot early on.

Despite United’s relentless push for an equalizer, they found themselves repeatedly thwarted by a resolute Nottingham Forest defense. The visitors controlled possession and created numerous chances, but their finishing let them down time and time again. Zirkzee, leading the line for United, had a particularly dismal evening, missing a succession of golden opportunities that could have changed the course of the game.

Among the glaring misses was a one-on-one situation where Zirkzee had only the goalkeeper to beat but inexplicably fired straight at Matz Sels. Another chance saw him fail to connect properly with a Bruno Fernandes cross, sending his header wide from six yards out. As the night progressed, frustration grew among the United faithful, with many fans expressing their disbelief on social media.

One particularly harsh comment on X summed up the sentiment: “22 shots, six sitters, and Zirkzee can’t hit the target—Amorim’s got every right to lose it.”

Amorim’s frustrations were evident throughout the second half, as cameras caught the Portuguese manager gesturing angrily on the touchline after yet another wasted opportunity. Reports suggest that he was seen openly criticizing Zirkzee, signaling that his patience with the striker may be wearing thin.

United’s attacking struggles were compounded by the resilience of Forest’s defensive unit. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side executed their game plan to perfection, absorbing pressure and launching dangerous counterattacks through Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite Forest managing only a handful of attempts on goal, they looked the more clinical side in comparison to United’s wastefulness.

The defeat leaves Manchester United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with 37 points—an alarming position for a club with their ambitions. Amorim, who took over in March, has been tasked with steadying the ship, but this latest setback highlights the massive rebuilding job he faces.

The focus now shifts to Zirkzee’s future in the starting XI. The Dutch striker, who was signed to provide attacking firepower, has struggled to justify his selection, managing only three goals in 29 appearances this season. His underwhelming form has intensified calls for Rasmus Højlund to take his place, with many fans believing the Danish forward offers a more clinical presence up front.

For Nottingham Forest, the victory marks a significant milestone. Not only does it move them further away from the relegation zone, but it also secures their first league double over Manchester United since 1992. The historic nature of the achievement was not lost on Forest supporters, who erupted in celebration at the final whistle.

As United players trudged off the pitch, the disappointment was etched across their faces. Bruno Fernandes, one of the few bright sparks for United, was seen shaking his head in frustration, while Amorim reportedly addressed his players in a heated post-match talk in the dressing room.

Looking ahead, Amorim faces a tough decision—does he persist with Zirkzee and hope the striker regains his confidence, or does he hand Højlund a starting role to inject fresh energy into the attack? With key fixtures on the horizon, including a crunch tie against Chelsea, United cannot afford another wasteful display.

Ultimately, this defeat serves as a wake-up call for Amorim and his squad. The lack of clinical finishing has cost them dearly, and unless they rectify this glaring issue, their struggles in the Premier League will continue. United’s next game will be crucial, not just for their position in the table but also for restoring faith among their frustrated supporters.

One thing is certain—Ruben Amorim will not tolerate another performance like this, and changes could be coming sooner rather than later.