In a game that kicked off at 12:00 PM PDT (8:00 PM BST), United have bombarded the Forest goal with over 22 attempts, yet they’ve failed to score, with one player—widely believed to be Joshua Zirkzee—drawing intense scrutiny for squandering approximately six golden opportunities. Manager Ruben Amorim’s patience snapped during the second half, as he was caught on camera openly berating the underperforming star for his inability to capitalize, even when faced with an unguarded net multiple times.
The match began with a gut punch for United, as former academy product Anthony Elanga raced clear to score a stunning solo goal for Forest within the opening five minutes, silencing the traveling fans.
Despite United’s response—Diogo Dalot crashing a header off the crossbar and Bruno Fernandes pulling strings in midfield—their profligacy in front of goal has been the story of the night.
Zirkzee, deployed as the focal point of Amorim’s attack, missed a string of chances, including a point-blank shot straight at Matz Sels and a header that sailed wide from six yards out. Posts on X erupted with fan fury, one viral comment reading, “22 shots, six sitters, and Zirkzee can’t hit the target—Amorim’s got every right to lose it.”
Amorim’s visible frustration underscored a broader issue for United, who sit 13th in the Premier League with 37 points and are desperate for a turnaround.
The Portuguese manager, who had praised Zirkzee’s potential earlier this season, didn’t hold back, gesturing animatedly and reportedly shouting at the striker after yet another miss.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have leaned on their third-best defense in the league, absorbing pressure and threatening on the break through Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White.
With the clock ticking down toward 2:00 PM PDT, United’s wastefulness has put them on the brink of a second defeat to Forest this season—a result that would mark Forest’s first league double over United since 1992.
For Zirkzee, the night has been a personal nightmare, amplifying calls from fans for Rasmus Højlund to replace him. The striker’s three goals in 29 appearances this term pale against the expectations set when he joined, and tonight’s display may test Amorim’s faith further.
As the final whistle looms, United’s 22 shots may count for nothing if they can’t find a late breakthrough, leaving Amorim and his misfiring star to face the music from a furious fanbase.
