Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag described his team’s loss to Nottingham Forest as “crazy,” but praised his players for fighting back to win 3-2 on Saturday.
Taiwo Awoniyi surged clear from the home side’s corner to score the scoring after 90 seconds, extending United’s dismal start to the season.
Willy Boly headed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s free kick less than two minutes later to make it 2-0.
“With all due respect to Forest, we can’t allow them (the goals),” Ten Hag explained. “They were simple giveaways.” It’s crazy, but this is how games sometimes go.”
Despite escaping with a 1-0 win on the opening weekend of the season, United lost 2-0 at Tottenham last weekend after being overrun by Wolves at home.
They anchored the ship with their second victory in three games.
Cristian Eriksen opened the comeback by converting Marcus Rashford’s cross.
After Bruno Fernandes’ headed knockdown, Casemiro equalized.
Forest were reduced to ten men when Joe Worrall was sent off for denying Fernandes a clear scoring chance.
United capitalized on their man advantage as Fernandes converted a penalty 14 minutes from time after Rashford was hauled down in the area.
“Horror start, but the character of the team was brilliant,” Ten Hag remarked.
“We remained calm and composed. We stuck to our guns, followed our game plan, played some good football, and scored three goals. It was a fantastic comeback.
“It is, without a doubt, a marker.” We’ve seen how quickly this team can recover. If you have such a start, you must overcome it. It’s not easy, but congratulations to the team.
“We’ve got the personality. We can undoubtedly improve in certain areas, but this team has the character to bounce back all the time.”
Fernandes has been chastised for his poor body language towards his teammates during his first few weeks as club captain.
However, the Portuguese led the counter-attack, claiming that United’s shortcomings must be ironed out with more regular performances.
“We understand what it’s like to be a Manchester United player.” “We know this shirt asks a lot of us, and we’re ready for it,” Fernandes added.
“The team demonstrated tremendous spirit, passion, and desire.” We merely need to be conscious that we cannot give up so quickly.
“It wasn’t a perfect start for us, but we maintained control, kept the ball, and started doing the right things.” — AFP
