In a match that kicked off at 12:00 PM PDT (8:00 PM BST), Manchester United relentlessly attacked Nottingham Forest’s goal, registering over 22 attempts but failing to convert. One player—widely speculated to be Joshua Zirkzee—has come under intense criticism for missing approximately six clear-cut chances, including multiple efforts in front of an open net.
Manager Ruben Amorim’s frustration boiled over in the second half, as cameras captured him berating the misfiring striker for his wastefulness in front of goal.
United’s night started on the back foot when former academy graduate Anthony Elanga stunned the traveling fans with a brilliant solo goal in the opening five minutes, putting Forest ahead early.
Despite United’s dominance—highlighted by Diogo Dalot hitting the crossbar and Bruno Fernandes orchestrating play in midfield—their finishing has been woeful.
Zirkzee, leading the line in Amorim’s setup, squandered a series of golden opportunities, including a close-range effort straight at Matz Sels and a header that flew wide from six yards. Fans erupted on X, with one viral comment reading, “22 shots, six sitters, and Zirkzee still can’t score—Amorim has every right to be furious.”
The Portuguese manager, who had previously backed Zirkzee’s potential, showed visible frustration on the sidelines, gesturing animatedly and reportedly shouting at the forward after another wasted chance.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest relied on their disciplined defense—the third-best in the league—to soak up pressure while remaining a threat on the counter through Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White.
As the game edges toward its conclusion at 2:00 PM PDT, United’s wastefulness threatens to hand them a second defeat to Forest this season—a result that would give Forest their first league double over United since 1992.
For Zirkzee, the match has been a personal disaster, fueling calls for Rasmus Højlund to reclaim the starting spot. With just three goals in 29 Premier League appearances, his underwhelming form is testing Amorim’s patience.
As the final whistle looms, United’s 22 shots may count for nothing unless they can find a late breakthrough—leaving Amorim and his misfiring striker to face the wrath of an increasingly frustrated fanbase.
