30 December 2023 , 22:37
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Manchester United have been labelled as the most boring team in the Premier League after being beaten by Nottingham Forest.
United slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground on Saturday to heap more pressure on Erik ten Hag. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White cancelled out a consolation from Marcus Rashford and ensured Ten Hag set unwanted history.
United go into the New Year having lost 14 games this season and 21 in all competitions across the year. That is their worst tally since 1972, when they lost 25, and is the fourth worst total in the club’s history, behind 1972, 1921 (24) and 1930 (28).
The latest defeat, which comes after a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Aston Villa, drew some fierce criticism. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live's 606: “I had someone message me earlier asking if Manchester are the most boring team in the Premier League. You know what, it's hard to argue with that.”
United were watched by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and INEOS chief Sir Dave Brailsford, who couldn't have been impressed by what they saw. But Ten Hag defended his team’s performance, blaming injuries and other “issues” for their recent struggles.
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“We have to make our performances consistent and have to do better,” Ten Hag said. “A game is 90 minutes and we have to invest from the first minute on. We are hopeful that many players will be back in the new year and they will strengthen the team and the squad.
Erik ten Hag has overseen a record number of defeats in a year at Manchester United (DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! How long will Erik ten Hag last as Manchester United's manager? Comment below.
"We know the reasons why it is not working. No team can deal with so many issues and injuries we have had. We should still have done better and we have depth in the squad. When you have so many injuries, the depth is not enough."
He added: "First half performance was OK. We invested to do less in the final third. I think we should have created more. The second half we had moments when we conceded goals. Then we came back in the game and I think the game was ours and we went for 2-1 and then we conceded. We had our moments but it was not good enough to win here."
Defeat leaves United seventh in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of the top four, having played a game more than many of their rivals. They have won just one of their past five league games and are winless in their last four away league matches.
Finding the back of the net has been a particular problem, with just 22 goals scored in 19 games so far – only the bottom two sides, Burnley (20) and Sheffield United (15) have netted fewer. The league’s top scorers, Manchester City, have scored 45 times.