Manchester United’s miserable season hit a new low as they crashed to a dismal 2-1 defeat at Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday (AEDT).
Erik ten Hag’s side produced a wretched display that was punished by Morgan Gibbs-White’s late winner at the City Ground.
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Nicolas Dominguez had put Forest ahead in the second half before Marcus Rashford equalised with just his third goal of a woeful campaign.
United’s fourth loss in their last six games in all competitions left them languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, nine points adrift of the top four.
United’s stirring fightback from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Tuesday had been heralded as the start of a new era just days after Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the troubled club.
But despite Ten Hag’s claim on Friday that Ratcliffe wants to work with him, this was the latest evidence that the new regime might consider dismissing the beleaguered Dutchman.
Forest moved five points clear of the relegation zone after Nuno Espirito Santo masterminded his second successive high-profile victory.
Nuno’s first win as Forest boss after replacing the sacked Steve Cooper came against Newcastle, but this was an even bigger scalp.
After their slow start against Villa, Ten Hag’s men once again laboured to find any rhythm as passes went astray with alarming regularity.
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Forest had conceded more goals than any other Premier League team in 2023, but it took 32 minutes for United to muster their first shot.
And United’s turgid display got what it deserved in the 64th minute when Gonzalo Montiel’s pass picked out Dominguez and he slotted a cool finish past Andre Onana from 12 yards.
As Forest fans serenaded Ten Hag with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, United’s Alejandro Garnacho looped a half-volley onto the roof of the net from Bruno Fernandes’ corner.
Turner gifted United an equaliser with 12 minutes left when his woeful pass was intercepted by Garnacho, who teed up Rashford to fire past the red-faced keeper from 10 yards.
But even that belated Christmas present wasn’t enough to save United, who combusted again in the 82nd minute.
Undone by sloppy marking as Elanga provided the assist, United stood statuesque as Gibbs-White curled a superb strike past Onana from the edge of the area.
Making amends for his earlier mistake, Turner saved from Fernandes in stoppage-time to leave United in turmoil.
After watching United slip to another humiliating defeat, club legend Gary Neville did not hold back in his analysis.
“Manchester United are back to their worst,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
“Manchester United are back to what they are – inconsistent and awful. They walk off the pitch a defeated bunch. United fans behind the goal will go off so disappointed.
“But let’s not forget about Nottingham Forest who have been absolutely wonderful today.”
Jamie Redknapp added: “Manchester United are so inconsistent. They are horrible to watch. They have no real appetite, desire, it looks like they are playing under duress. There’s not enough ambition or desire.”
Douglas Luiz’s late penalty took Aston Villa joint top of the Premier League with a 3-2 win over 10-man Burnley on Saturday as Manchester City closed on the leaders by sweeping aside Sheffield United 2-0.
It looked like a festive season to forget for Villa was set to continue after dropping points at home for the first time this season to Sheffield United and blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Manchester United on Boxing Day.
But Luiz’s spot-kick, that crept in off the underside of the bar, sent Unai Emery’s men level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table.
Leon Bailey’s opener for the home side was quickly cancelled out by Zeki Amdouni for Burnley.
Moussa Diaby restored Villa’s lead before half-time and they had a man advantage for the final 35 minutes after Sander Berge saw a second yellow card.
But Villa’s high line is begging to be picked off by opponents and Lyle Foster timed his run to blast past Emi Martinez 19 minutes from time.
There was a final twist, though, as Jhon Duran was up-ended inside the box and Luiz fired home.
“Everyone is so happy, we need to enjoy the moment,” said Luiz.
“The last three games we don’t play so well. It is halfway through the season, the players are tired, we lost three or four important players to injury. It is difficult, but we need to keep going.”
Despite missing Erling Haaland for a seventh consecutive game due to a foot injury, City were never troubled by the bottom-of-the-table Blades.
Rodri ended Sheffield United’s resistance after just 14 minutes when the Spanish midfielder surged forward and fired low into the far corner.
Julian Alvarez again ably filled Haaland’s shoes as the Argentine tapped in his fourth goal in three games to make the points safe from Phil Foden’s cross just after the hour mark.
City move alongside Arsenal on 40 points, just two points behind Villa and Liverpool, who are in action at home to Newcastle on Monday.
And Pep Guardiola said he is contented with the first half of his side’s season despite some issues as they added the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup to their trophy collection.
“We’ve had injuries and some problems, we won the titles, important ones, so our level is really good I would say,” said Guardiola.
“Now rest, we all need it. January is less intense than November and December so we prepare for what’s next.”
Chelsea snapped a run of four consecutive away defeats thanks to Cole Palmer’s double but had to withstand a nervy finale to beat Luton 3-2.
Powerful strikes from Palmer and Noni Madueke gave the visitors a 2-0 half-time lead.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men appeared to have ridden out a second half storm when Palmer’s classy finish made it 3-0.
But former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley sparked a Luton revival and Elijah Adebayo bundled home from close range to set up a thrilling finale.
“That is the Premier League. Luton are a team that fight until the end, you could see that from their games against Liverpool and Arsenal and Man City and Newcastle,” said Pochettino.
“We controlled the game until the 65th minute. We needed to win and we deserved the result.” Luton remain just one point adrift of safety as Everton slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Wolves.
Max Kilman, Matheus Cunha and Craig Dawson were on target for Gary O’Neil’s men, who secured a third win in seven days.
Any fears that Crystal Palace could be dragged into the relegation battle were eased by the Eagles first win in nine games as Brentford were beaten 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
FULL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
Luton Town 2-3 Chelsea
Crystal Palace 3-1 Brentford
Manchester City 2-0 Sheffield United
Aston Villa 3-2 Burnley
Wolves 3-0 Everton
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United
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