Ruben Amorim: “Anyone is free to express their opinions” following the recent Premier League loss of Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim has expressed his disappointment following his side’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, attributing the loss to a lack of quality in the final third. The United manager stated that his players “helped” Nuno Espirito Santo’s team secure a narrow victory at the City Ground.

Despite dominating large portions of the Premier League clash, United struggled to convert their chances. They registered 23 shots in total, yet only six were on target, failing to breach a typically resolute Forest defence that has conceded just 10 goals at home this season—a league low.

In a bid to turn the tide, Amorim introduced Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and even Harry Maguire as a makeshift centre-forward late in the game. However, his side left empty-handed, remaining in 13th place in the league.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim reflected on the match, saying, “We controlled the game, but we already knew that this team can score goals out of nothing. When they score, we changed the game a little bit for what they want. We had good opportunities, but in the last third, the last cross, the last pass, the last assist wasn’t there. If we don’t have that, we cannot score goals.”

He continued, “We had some situations, but this season is like that. We tried, we had a lot of shots on goal, we pushed the opponent to the last third, but in the end, we had a lack of quality in the final third. Of course, I’m pleased with the team’s character, but we need to win games. We deserved more in this game, that is clear. But it was our fault—we need to be better in the last third.”

When asked about his disappointment regarding Elanga’s stunning opener, Amorim did not hold back. “Everything, because you know the characteristics of a team. You know that one goal can put them in a situation that they love, more space for transitions, and we have to score two goals to win a match. That is frustrating because it was the beginning of the game. We changed the game and we helped them to win three points.”

Despite the setback, Amorim remains optimistic about his team’s progress. “I see progress in the game,” he stated. “I don’t lie to myself; everybody can say whatever they want to say, but I see some things. We need to win games. We go to the next game. We have the Europa League and the next game in the Premier League, and that is the focus.”