One point gained or two dropped for Manchester United?

Nottingham Forest 2 - 2 Manchester United

Amad Diallo struck a stunning 81st-minute volley to rescue a point for Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League contest against Nottingham Forest.

Author | Liam C

Stadium | The City Ground

United players celebrate their first goal

United looked to be closing in on a fourth consecutive victory and a move up to second in the table after Casemiro’s header from a contentious corner gave them the advantage at half-time.

But Forest turned the match on its head within two second-half minutes. Morgan Gibbs-White muscled past Amad to meet Ryan Yates’ deep cross and haul his side level, before Nicolo Savona pounced from close range after Igor Jesus’ header ricocheted through a crowded six-yard box to put the hosts in front.

Ruben Amorim’s side, however, showed a growing resilience that has been missing in previous seasons. Instead of collapsing, they fought their way back into the contest. Bruno Fernandes struck the base of the post before Amad, alert to a loose clearance on the edge of the area, unleashed a superb first-time volley beyond Matz Sels.

United almost stole all three points in stoppage time, but Amad’s late effort was cleared off the line by Murillo.

The views of Man United fans blog 'The View from K Stand'

Nottingham Forest 2 - 2 Manchester United

Not the best performance but our unbeaten run continueshttps://t.co/tkVIHFQIQa

— The View From K Stand (@viewfromkstand) November 1, 2025

Amad was key for United 

One of Ruben Amorim’s more daring decisions during his tenure has been to deploy Amad Diallo as a wing-back.

While Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were considered ill-suited to the position, the United manager has placed his faith in the Ivorian, confident in his willingness to take on the less glamorous duties of defending and tracking back.

The adjustment has blunted some of Amad’s attacking influence, but it has secured him a regular place in the side and allowed him to operate on his favoured right flank, where his growing partnership with Bryan Mbeumo has become a key feature of United’s recent revival.

Both the strengths and weaknesses of that decision were evident here.

A more traditional defender might have provided greater physical resistance to Morgan Gibbs-White. The Forest captain, not known for his power, was still able to outmuscle Amad to meet Ryan Yates’ cross and score, a moment that shifted the momentum of the match.

Yet just as United seemed to be fading, Amad responded with a moment of brilliance, volleying home with a precision few on the pitch could have matched – certainly not Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot, his competition for the position.

For Amorim and United, it appears they must take the rough with the smooth when it comes to Amad.