Manchester United begin Premier League life without Ronaldo’s shadown when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford.
The saga is officially a thing of the past as press questions around his involvement at the club have all but ended. Erik ten Hag is wanting to “look to the future” and bring trophies back to the sleeping giant of the game.
A good 2-0 win over Burnley in the EFL Cup has the mood lifted – remember it’s been 5 years since they last won a trophy. But the form is good at the moment.
United look to extend a stellar five-match home winning run in all competitions, four of which came with a clean sheet for David de Gea. It will be Nottingham Forest’s first visit since 1998.
Forest are unbeaten in two league matches and despite being in the relegation zone, will be a threat as they are too in the quarters of the EFL Cup. A 4-1 win over Blackburn was a lovely warm up.
A big story on Tuesday night will be the presence of Jesse Lingard. Allowed to leave his boyhood club, he returns looking to make them pay. The England international scored and assisted in the midweek win and will no doubt be in the mood.
The home side will be looking to end a poor run of starting badly. United have failed to score a home league goal this season in either the first or last 15 minutes.
United have some trouble at the back as Harry Maguire is sick.
Ten Hag said after the win over Burnley: “I can’t answer because Harry is sick. I don’t know how that develops. We have to wait. Maybe the coming hours, maybe the coming days, and then we will see if he is available for Forest.”
Both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane should be back shortly after their endeavours in Qatar.
“I can’t answer that question now,” he said, when asked if Lisandro will be back for the Forest game.
“He is still celebrating now in Buenos Aires now, going around in the touring car! Going around in Buenos Aires and I can understand it, it is very emotional when you achieve this World Cup success in your country.”
Forest No 1 Dean Henderson is ineligible due to being on loan from United.