Old Trafford will host a fascinating Premier League clash on Saturday as Manchester United take on promoted side Nottingham Forest.

United will be eager to bounce back from their lackluster 2-1 loss away to Tottenham last time out. Meanwhile, Forest are riding high after a dramatic late 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United.

With both teams still finding their feet this season, it has the makings of an intriguing and competitive affair.

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Man United vs Nottingham Forest is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Clueless Red Devils Come Up Short

Manchester United's Premier League title aspirations took an early blow as they fell 2-1 to Tottenham in a largely lifeless performance. For all the preseason positivity surrounding their new manager Erik ten Hag, United looked worryingly bereft of craft and conviction when it truly mattered.

Aside from the opening half hour, United posed little sustained threat. Their struggles crystallized during a bizarrely passive nine minutes of added time. Despite chasing the game, United summoned neither urgency nor adventure. It was almost as if someone had sneakily swapped their Red Bull for decaf tea at halftime.

The final half hour was attack versus defense training ground stuff. Only the defenders seemed to have wandered off for an early bath. Harry Maguire was surely watching at home, shaking his head like a disappointed supply teacher eyeing up unruly students.

Up front, United operated with all the cutting edge of a butter knife. Marcus Rashford lacks conviction as a central striker while Anthony Martial's late cameo changed little. The lack of a ruthless finisher was glaringly evident.

Midfield offered further concerns for the seasoned gaffer Ten Hag. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were strangely subdued, outshone and outworked by Spurs' young engine room.

Overall, this was a display that hardly screamed 'title challengers'. United fans have seen this movie before recent seasons - plenty of the ball, minimal end product.

The first half had offered hope, with United edging possession and chances. But they failed to capitalize and got sucker punched after the break. Falling behind sparked immediate stage fright.

Once behind, United reacted like teenagers at a high school dance - tentatively leaning against the wall, lacking the confidence to make a bold move. Where was the barnstorming rally, the kitchen sink bombardment?

By the final whistle, the Spurs fans sang merrily as United trudged off in collective embarrassment. Drawing at Brentford in week one could be excused as teething problems. But this lame display suggested far deeper issues for Dutch manager Ten Hag to address.

Can United's underperforming stars tune in to Ten Hag's wavelength? Does he possess the alchemist skills to transform potential into consistent performances?

On this evidence, the Old Trafford faithful may need to temper talk of trophies. The opening games have exposed United's rickety defense and lack of attacking cohesion.

There is still time for Ten Hag to steer the ship back on course. But United continue to lack identity and urgency when the heat turns up. Familiar foes Man City and Liverpool lie in wait next. On this showing, United may be in for a long hard season, characterized by frustration rather than flair.

Forest's Band of Misfits Strike Late to Deny Blades

Nottingham Forest's ragtag band of new recruits once again relied on late drama as they edged past Sheffield United 2-1. Forest's 22nd signing Serge Aurier proved the unlikely hero on a rain-soaked night in the East Midlands.

The Ivorian's wicked deliveries ultimately undid the hard-working Blades, who had leveled through a wonder goal from midfield maestro Gustavo Hamer.

Last season, Forest were widely mocked as they made over 20 panic-buy signings in their bid to avoid relegation. But their haphazard summer strategy is already reaping rewards this campaign.

Forest struck early through Taiwo Awoniyi, who nodded in Aurier's inch-perfect cross. The Nigerian wheeling away cradling an imaginary baby was both a celebration and tribute to his newborn son.

Buoyed by the fast start, Forest were purring early on. The marauding Aurier acted like a man possessed, tormenting the Blades defense with his endless crosses. At times it resembled a training ground exercise of attack versus defense.

But it wasn't all one-way traffic as Forest's new keeper Matt Turner was forced into action. Forest's new look backline remains a work in progress.

After the break, the Blades came out revitalized and leveled in style. Hamer's thunderous hit from distance was a contender for goal of the season. Watching his midfield drive crash into the net, manager Paul Heckingbottom stood motionless, wisely knowing no celebration could match such a sublime strike.

Forests were rocking and Heckingbottom smelt blood. He urged his men forward, perhaps already tasting the victory cigar. But the hosts held firm and dug deep.

As the game drifted towards a stalemate, Aurier had one final trick up his sleeve. His late cross was inch perfect, with Chris Wood netting the winner to send the drenched City Ground crowd into raptures.

Once again, Forest's unlikely heroes had come up trumps. Boss Steve Cooper praised his team's resilience to grind out wins while still gelling. With players from all corners of the globe, it may take time for Forest's identity to emerge.

But the early signs suggest Cooper's ragtag crew have enough grit and guile to survive in the unforgiving Premier League jungle. Teams visiting the City Ground can expect organized chaos.

While the Blades left ruing missed chances, Forest celebrated a vital win on the road to stability. Nottingham Forest's crazy paving approach to squad building continues to reap rewards.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana, Shaw, Martinez, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Mount, Casemiro, Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford

Nottingham Forest: Turner, McKenna, Worrall, Boly, Williams, Mangala, Danilo, Aurier, Gibbs-White, Awoniyi, Johnson

Key Battles

• Bruno Fernandes vs Remo Freuler 

While Forest have strengthened across the park, shrewd midfielder Freuler could be key to limiting Fernandes' creative influence.

• Taiwo Awoniyi vs Raphael Varane

Awoniyi's pace and power will trouble Varane. The United defender can't afford any lapses against Forest's main goal threat.

• Morgan Gibbs-White vs Casemiro

Midfield dynamo Gibbs-White will look to press and harry deep-lying Casemiro, who sets United's tempo.