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Daily Manchester United - Episode 134- Nottingham Forest Preview
19 Plays27 days ago
Cormac is joined by Tom as they preview Manchester United's next match vs Nottingham Forest away.
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Transcript
Introduction and Match Preview
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome along to another episode of the Daily Manchester United podcast. My name is Cormac and today I'm joined by Tom. Tom, how are you doing?
00:00:17
Tom Cairns
Hello, Carmichael, hello to everyone. Yes, so after a long break, it feels like, since we played our last game against Leicester, it's, ah well, it's not going to be onto the Cup because we're out of it, but onto the midweek game against Forest after they have faced off against Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday. So we've got a bit of a wait still until we play our next match, but I wonder how the Manchester United supporters will be feeling at this moment in time going into the game against Forest.
00:00:43
Tom Cairns
But of course, we've got the Manchester Derby to follow for that. So it's just... We've just got to make sure we don't get any injuries and suspensions. like
00:00:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh yeah absolutely.
Nottingham Forest's Performance
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
know, obviously I had a bad bow to them before. and We'll get into them a bit later, but first time I want to talk to about Ferris. You know, obviously they've been so impressive this season. don't think Manny had them in their top four at all going into the season. um Just how impressive have you been with them in the football they've been playing?
00:01:07
Tom Cairns
It's been tremendous from Forrest. I'm really happy to see them fighting towards the top. but you know It's a long time since we've seen them ah get up that high. i think the last time they got there was in 1994-95 when they finished in third place ah behind Blackburn and Manchester United, which was rather impressive. That was in the days when they had the likes of Stan Collymore, Stuart Pearce and many others, actually. I think, was it Chris Bart Williams who was in that side or did he join later? I can't quite remember.
00:01:33
Tom Cairns
But yeah, they had a very impressive team back then and they've just got as impressive as a team they've got now um under the eyes of Nuno Espirito Santo. Last season, they recorded the lowest ever points total to survive in the Premier League. Bear in mind, they did have that points deduction for a breach of PSR rules.
00:01:50
Tom Cairns
But this season, they've taken it to another level with the way they've been playing in comparison to how Manchester United have been. So it's like the tables have turned ah quite drastically um in the last 12 months, really, between those two.
00:02:02
Tom Cairns
So I've been very, very happy with Forrest. I mean, if there was a team that I'd be happy to lose to, and think Forrest would be high up on my list. um If it means, you know, for us have a bigger shot at beating City in the next game afterwards, then so be it.
00:02:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Forest, I mean, they've just been spectacular. The play, they've been, you know, even against the big teams, they had that win against City um two games before the break and then had an impressive win against Ipswich as well.
00:02:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, they're on very good form going into the match. um And, you know, they obviously have, you know, so some quality on the team. Is there any players that kind of stand out for you on the Forest squad?
00:02:41
Tom Cairns
Anthony Alanga we have to give a big shout out to you because he's been phenomenally good this season. you know yeah i think the move for Manchester United was exactly what he needed to do, to go to Forest, who were always, I think, going to be strangling or languishing towards the bottom end of the table where he knows he's going to get a lot of first-team football.
00:03:00
Tom Cairns
But he's used that to his advances, really, and he's been a regular star for Forrest this season. Just looking at his stats at the timing of recording, he could just find his figures. So, Anthony Inlango, number 21.
00:03:11
Tom Cairns
He has so far got five goals in the Premier League. I'm interested to know, actually, how many assists he's had, because I can imagine he's been involved in a lot of them.
00:03:22
Tom Cairns
Probably not the figures is where Bruno Fernandes is, but he's quite up there, almost.
00:03:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, he's definitely, you know, a winger watch. And then, obviously, they have Hudson-Odoi, the other side, scored great goal against City. um I think for me, though, this their stand-out player has to be Morgan Gibbs-White.
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
think, you know, everything goes through him. He's such technically gifted player. um So, I think we we have to do well, especially the two, whoever's playing the whole the mids, um to kind of shut him down. And then and another one I think who's really come on the scene this year for them is Ole Eina, the fullback.
00:03:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, he's just been absolutely fantastic. I believe, you know, he's been in the Nigerian squad as well recently. um So, you know, just out of quality. And then obviously Chris Ward up top, you know, he's app like fine wine, you know, getting better with age. And yeah, he's just been tremendous, know, scoring goal after goal.
00:04:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. believe he got one against us in the last time we played as well but he'll yeah definitely one to watch you know as far as team is very good and definitely shouldn't be taking them lightly and then I suppose we'll give a bit of a refresher that match I just touched on obviously Forrest came to Old Trafford beat us 3-2 it was kind of Onana didn't have a great game you know he had that one Morgan Gibbs-White kind of shot down in the middle and don't know if Onana thought was taking a deflection or something but it kind of beat him right down in the middle um But yeah, what were your thoughts it's on that reverse fixture we had with him?
Manchester United's Injury Concerns
00:04:48
Tom Cairns
I didn't see the match live at the time, but it was a pretty dismal performance from Manchester United's perspective. But we've got to bounce back, really. I mean, it would feel really embarrassing to be beaten twice by Forest this season. it was pretty unheard of at the beginning of the campaign, but it is...
00:05:05
Tom Cairns
distinctively possible. You know, I do think Forest will win the match, but i think it's more important for us that we come away with it with no injuries or suspensions because we really need everyone in the team. If you look at our injury list, we've got Luke Shaw that's injured out until, you know, probably in the middle of May just before the season finishes. He's got Martins out for the rest of the season. You've got Diallo out for the rest of the season.
00:05:28
Tom Cairns
Johnny Irvans is out at the moment, I think. um Kobe Maynard is out ah for another couple of weeks. You've got Bayendier, Lenny Yaro and Aidan Heaven who went off injured in the game against Leicester. We don't know how long he's going to be out for yet.
00:05:42
Tom Cairns
So it's quite a big list still at the moment. But one man I'm happy to see back who was an unused substitute in the game against Leicester was Mason Mount. Now, if we if you look at the how we've been playing with Xerxes playing behind Hoyland,
00:05:56
Tom Cairns
comprehensively, has been pretty dismal. So could an option be for Ruben Amrim to put Mount alongside Fernandes in the tens and leave Hoyland up front? And the advantage of it is if you put Garnett on the bench and then come on come on in the second half, which is where it makes the bigger impact,
00:06:17
Tom Cairns
That could be really beneficial. And I think Ruben Amarin before has been an admirer of Mason Mount since he's joined at the club. So he's got an option to use there. And how crucial could that um option be in the Europa League games we've got against Lyon, who are under fire at the moment with the threats of relegation going on in Ligue 1.
00:06:40
Tom Cairns
But irrespective of that, we really need everyone back in the team now.
00:06:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%, yeah. And I think it was some good news relating to the, you know heaven injury. I think at the time when you seen him getting stretched off, he feared it was, um you know, going to be a very lengthy one. But i think reports this week come out and said it won't be that long at all, possibly back in April.
00:06:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So that's obviously, you know, a huge boost for us. He was playing fantastic. And, um yeah, I thought really fit well into that back line. And then, yeah, touching on, you know, the option amount, we've said on this podcast time and time again,
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
think of the consensus is we all think Garnaccio is more effective off the bench. And yeah, I mean, Mount, you know, a pre-season, look good even. And then Amarine was saying when he came in that, yeah, he'd love for Mount to play in the system. He thinks he's the perfect fit for it. So be exciting to finally see him play. he You know, he hasn't had a strong run of games in at all since we signed him, really. late um So he definitely has a ah point to prove. um So yeah, definitely some interesting points there
United's Recent Form and Upcoming Matches
00:07:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
in terms of what the lineup will be. And probably touching that um at the end of the episode when we look at a predicted lineup. We'll go for a quick break now and then when we come back, we'll talk a bit about United's form before the break.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
So obviously, you know, before the break, we had that win against Leicester and, you know, great performance against Sassi that, you know, they seem to be a decent form. Do you think the squad are finally, know, getting things under Amarim or do you still think they're a long way off and there's a lot more room for improvement?
00:09:12
Tom Cairns
I think there's a lot more room for improvement, but it's better it' to be in this situation than not. So I wouldn't sit too tightly with the way we've been performing because we've got a lot of tough games coming up. We've got Forest in the week before the Manchester derby.
00:09:25
Tom Cairns
And then it's the first leg of our Europa League quarter final against Lyon. And I believe, is it Newcastle then after that one? And then the second leg against Lyon at Old Trafford?
00:09:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not too sure, i think you might be right.
00:09:42
Tom Cairns
and Just having a look to see.
00:09:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:09:43
Tom Cairns
mean, it's it's a good run of form at the moment anyway, Cormac, with the way we've been performing throughout March. Because if you exclude the shootout defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup, let's just say it was a draw.
00:09:55
Tom Cairns
United have been unbeaten since the to defeat to Tottenham in the league, where we lost 1-0.
00:10:07
Tom Cairns
So we've been on a bit of a run um in terms of on-field play, um which is decent. You know, the performance against Arsenal as well, let's not forget. It was a really, really strong showing.
00:10:20
Tom Cairns
So we've got Forrest away, and then Man City at home, Lyon away in the Europa League for the first leg, and then Newcastle away, which is what just said, in the league. And then we've got Lyon at home in the Europa League second leg before we play Wolves.
00:10:38
Tom Cairns
who of which we should beat, not Old Trafford, but I say that we should beat, you know, anything's possible involving us. But yeah, that run of games, you thinking?
00:10:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, i think if we can keep playing the way we've been playing, um you know, I think good things will come. I think, you know, the City game especially, I think even though obviously, you know, it's top table versus bottom, you know, we always play well against City, it seems, and we had a great win, you know, last time out at the ETI. Obviously, we don't have Diallo now who played a huge part in that, but I feel like Old Trafford would be up for that one.
00:11:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So I think if they can go and win that, I really think then they can kick on. um But as we said earlier in the episode, you know, I think just injuries is what we have to worry about. You know, if we can keep clear of them, get the lads back, if we were just returned, keep them match fit. um I think we could go on a decent run. And then, you know, the big one is going to be Lyon, Europa League. I think the players kind of showed against Sociedad. They know how important it is and had a great performance.
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, I i do expect... expect in a way. i don't want to get too ahead myself, but I do expect us to go and get through that tie. If they can keep doing what they're doing before the break, I think good things will come.
00:11:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely.
00:11:54
Tom Cairns
yeah I perfectly agree. i mean If the performances start to align with the results, that tells you something that what United are doing right now. If you look at Chelsea, for instance, last season, think in the last couple of months, they started to put together a run of form from what they were the months before that. If we can put that type of form in together this time around, we could end the season probably still in the bottom half, but we could well come away with ah with the Europa League
Europa League's Importance
00:12:22
Tom Cairns
trophy. But we've got some tough ties come up anyway because if we get by Lyon it's either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers now Bilbao as you all know their stadium is the venue for the Europa League final consider how much those fans wish their club to be in the final for that
00:12:41
Tom Cairns
And then, you know, if we do get to the final, it'd be either, you know, Tottenham and whoever is left in the competition. I'm struggling to remember who it is, but I think Bode Glewens are another team, actually, who are surprisingly still in the competition. You know, they've punched above their weight again.
00:12:55
Tom Cairns
But yeah, the Europa League's it. The Europa League is our season. If we mess up in that, United most certainly have had their worst season.
00:13:08
Tom Cairns
not It's probably worse than what it was back in season 1989-90. It's probably the they've been their worst season since when the last got relegated in 1974. I mean, some fans will probably agree with that, unless anyone wants to argue.
00:13:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I mean, it definitely has been, you know, it's such an awful season. um You know, it started, I think people had hopes, you know, he had a sensible transfer window. And then, you know, ah coming off, obviously, the FA Cup win at the end of the season last year was, I think, ahc exciting, and you know, going into the season. And then Tanhaig, obviously, didn't have a great start, got sacked. And then we're thinking, oh, Amarim can come and do the job. um You know, i was excited, you know, that Sporting Lisbon were flying. They're just beating City in the Champions League.
00:13:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then, yeah, just, didn't go well at all. We were just losing the teams. Football was absolutely terrible. And yeah, it definitely has in my lifetime anyway, been, you know, the worst season so far by a mile.
00:14:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But, you know, obviously Amarim needs time. and It seems like they're playing decent football now. yeah, hopefully they can just kick on, maybe give younger lads minutes, you know, going to the end of the season and really set up well for next season. And yeah, if we can win that Europa League trophy, you know, I think,
00:14:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
It will definitely lighten a load of how terrible the season it was. um And obviously, you know, securing us Champions football for next year would be absolutely massive given the state we've been in this season. So, I mean, yeah, definitely a poor season, but, you know, they can they can still save it somewhat.
00:14:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So, yeah, we'll go for another eye break. And then when we come back, me and Tom will look at a predicted lineup for the Farris match.
Predicted Lineup and Match Outcome
00:15:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think this predicted line-up be interesting, obviously, you know, lot of injuries in the back line, particularly as you touched on earlier. um You know, Seraph and goal, I think, could be an obvious one, but who do you think it'll be?
00:15:54
Tom Cairns
I think, well, I think it's ah not hard to predict who's going to be in goal. um So, Inanna would be in between the sticks. And then centre-half, you're probably looking at Maguire, De Ligt and Yaro.
00:16:09
Tom Cairns
Unless Yaro got injured in the yeah and the game before that. Actually, he's picked up a foot injury, but could well be fit in time for the game against Forrest. But if he's not, then the other option of centre-half...
00:16:23
Tom Cairns
Which other defenders have we got? We've got Lindelof, haven't we? So he's probably the last choice that we've got who can play in that ah back three.
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
good
00:16:30
Tom Cairns
um Shall I ask for you who your centre-halves are going to be?
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, umm I'm not too sure about Maguire as well. I know he was injured. um If he'll be back yet or not. um But I definitely think, you know, De Ligt, Lindelof, and then um we do have a bit of crisis at fullbacks as well because Dorg is still suspended for this match.
00:16:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But I think Maseroui, I think I'd put back there, given the players I definitely know who are available. um So I think I'd go Lindelof, De Ligt and Masraoui as centre-backs. And then moving on to full-backs, Tom, it's kind of a tough one without D'Orga, but who do you think would be the right and left-back?
00:17:06
Tom Cairns
Well, now that you've said Matsurari, I'm happy to incline with you and go with Matsurari in the centre-half if Maguire's not fit enough. So it'd have to be Dallot at right wing back. And ah i think Dorgou's back from suspension now because he's served his three-match ban as Dorgou.
00:17:21
Tom Cairns
ah Yeah, because he he missed the um the FA Cup tie against Fulham and he missed the two Premier League games against Arsenal and Leicester.
00:17:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, is it Izzy back?
00:17:31
Tom Cairns
So that's the three-match ban he served after the sending off against Ipswich.
00:17:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, okay, fair enough. Yeah, my life's got after some reason said he was suspended.
00:17:37
Tom Cairns
Yeah, so, yeah. Yeah, so Dorgue will now be back from suspension, so he'll be in the left wing back. I probably assume those are, well, Nuseb Metserari is going to be at St. Hobbs, but Ardello and Dorgue are going to be wing backs.
00:17:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, no, now that realised Dorgue won't be suspended, it makes s things a lot easier. And yeah, Dorgue, I mean, just, you know, I've been so impressed with him and You know, Denmark, I believe he got an assist the other day as well for them. So looking good. And yeah, Dalot, right wing back. I think, yeah, back line's set in stone there.
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then moving on to the holding mids, who are your two?
00:18:11
Tom Cairns
It's probably going to be Casemiro and Ugarte in those ah CDMs. What do you reckon?
00:18:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i I'm actually going to go with Bruno and Ugartha. You know, obviously Bruno's kind of been pushing a bit deeper down. I think he's, you know, he's been absolutely playing out of his mind um before the break there. He's been phenomenal for us.
00:18:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So, yeah, I think I'm going to go with Bruno um and Ugartha for the two. And then popping up to the two behind the striker.
00:18:42
Tom Cairns
ah It would have been Fernandes and... to Do I say Xerxe or do I say Garnaccio?
00:18:53
Tom Cairns
Let's say Xerxe because ah think he's played better recently and I think he's got stuck in a little bit more. um I'm leaving Garnaccio on the bench and I think United should put Garnaccio on the bench and hope that he'll come on and make um a positive impact.
00:19:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
good Yeah, I think for me, I'm going to through Xerxes. I think, you know, he's been just unbelievable recently, you know, really turned things around from how he started off his career here. You know fans weren't too happy with him all, but he's just been an absolute baller the last um few matches. Yeah, he's definitely there for me. And then I think it's between, for me, Garnaccio and Eriksen, because I know Eriksen played the last match. And to be fair, I don't think he looked bad at all.
00:19:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. But I might just go you know up against the pace, and especially Olayn on that um right-hand side for them. I think I'll go Garnaccio as the other one um for me. So yeah, Garnaccio and Zerksy.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then Stryker, Tom, probably and another easy enough one.
00:19:52
Tom Cairns
Yeah, it'll be a Highland, but i hope that Obi does get some minutes later on in the game. I think if Forrester and Cruz control, let's say they're 2-0 up or 3-0 up in the match with like and hour half an hour to go, that's United's opportunity to put Obi on, I think.
00:20:09
Tom Cairns
But it wouldn't surprise me if Amram kept the starting 11 on the pitch until like the last 15 minutes or so. If they're still in the match, he'll probably keep those on.
00:20:20
Tom Cairns
and then bring on Garnaccio to make the positive impacts that we've seen from him from time to time.
00:20:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and will it will be Hoyland up top. you know ought To be fair, he's, I think, finally maybe gotten over that slump he was in, scoring before the break, and then even had a good goal against Portugal as well. So that was you know great to see him scoring for Denmark. So yeah, and then as you said, if Chido can get a few minutes in, you know I love that. Another huge talent we have coming through. um And yeah, I thought he'd done well um when he came on in the FA Cup tie that game.
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So, yeah, I'd like to see him get minutes as well. But, yeah, it will be Hoyland, and I'm hoping Hoyland can keep um the bit of form he had going into the break um alive. And maybe a bag of gold or two would be brilliant.
00:21:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, there's our predicted lineup. And then before we go, Tom, a score prediction. I know you said you think Forrest will win, but what do you think the score will be?
00:21:16
Tom Cairns
I think it'll be to Forrest. i think they'll I think they'll cruise it.
00:21:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Three, one.
00:21:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you know, I think I'll have to agree with I think I can see it being a 2-1. I think United will be there in in the match. I don't think Paris Lee will get away, but I mean, you never really know what United you'll end up with and even you know how clinical Forrest are going to be on the day is another big thing.
00:21:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, there we have it. Tam, thanks for joining me. Listeners, thank you everyone for listening. and um Be sure to stay tuned for our next episode in a few days. And yeah, we'll see you then.