Manchester United’s three-match winning streak came to an abrupt end at the City Ground, while Ruben Amorim left many confused with his substitutions.
The Red Devils were embroiled in a thrilling battle with Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. While they managed to take the lead through Casemiro’s header in the first half, the home side responded with back-to-back strikes after the break courtesy of Morgan Gibbs-While and Nicolo Savona.
Nevertheless, Amad Diallo equalised the scoring with a vicious volley from the edge of the box in the final stretch of the match. The Ivorian almost won it for the visitors with a last-gasp strike, but his effort was cleared off the line by Murillo.
WHAT A VOLLEY BY AMAD! #MUFC
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) November 1, 2025
In the end, the two sides shared the spoils, but Amorim’s decision-making has come under scrutiny.
Ruben Amorim confused Man Utd fans with his defensive substitutions
Despite spending the bulk of the contest chasing a result, the Portuguese manager never brought in an attacking player, leaving Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount on the bench.
On the other hand, Amorim replaced the disappointing Diogo Dalot with Patrick Dorgu, and later hooked Leny Yoro for Noussair Mazraoui who has only recently returned from an injury.
While the substitutions weren’t necessarily ill-advised, Samuel Luckhurst considered it ‘strange’, most likely alluding to the fact that the manager didn’t make any changes in attack, while also noting how Mazraoui looked short on fitness.
“Cracking game. Man Utd will rue their passive start to the second half, which effectively cost them the win,” posted The Sun journalist on his X account.
“Amorim’s subs strange and Mazraoui was particularly off it. One of the goals of the season for Amad. United extend their unbeaten run, at least.”
FT. Cracking game. #mufc will rue their passive start to the second half, which effectively cost them the win. Amorim's subs strange and Mazraoui was particularly off it. One of the goals of the season for Amad. United extend their unbeaten run, at least.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 1, 2025
Why Amorim should have played Zirkzee
The good news is that Amorim looks happy with the club’s three summer signings in attack, as he kept Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo on the pitch for the duration of the game.
However, if the 40-year-old will insist on blocking Joshua Zirkzee’s departure, he should consider handing him some playing on a weekly basis rather than waiting for Mbuemo and Amad’s departure to the African Cup of Nations, because by that stage, the Dutchman will be low on confidence and form, making him significantly less effective.
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