BREAKING NEWS: “Nottingham Forest plays very aggressive football, so there’s no way I’m going to risk it by starting him” — Manchester United boss delivers firm fitness update ahead of City Ground showdown
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered a decisive pre-match statement that could have major implications for his team selection ahead of the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. The Dutchman confirmed that one of his key players will not start the game due to concerns over Forest’s aggressive style of play, a remark that has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.
As the Red Devils prepare for what promises to be a physically demanding encounter at the City Ground, Ten Hag’s cautious tone underlines both the respect he holds for Forest’s approach and the delicate nature of his current squad fitness situation. Manchester United have been plagued by injuries throughout the campaign, and with important fixtures coming thick and fast, the manager’s latest decision appears to prioritize long-term stability over short-term gain.
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Nottingham Forest’s Aggressive Identity Under Dyche
Since the arrival of Sean Dyche at Nottingham Forest, the club has undergone a notable transformation. Once seen as an inconsistent side that often struggled to maintain defensive organization, Forest now boast a combative, hard-pressing identity. Dyche’s philosophy emphasizes physical duels, compact defensive lines, and relentless pressure on the ball — traits that have made Forest a difficult opponent for even the Premier League’s elite sides.
Under Dyche, Forest have averaged among the league’s highest numbers for tackles, interceptions, and aerial duels won per game. Their home form, in particular, has been built on intensity and crowd-driven aggression. The City Ground faithful have helped turn the venue into a fortress once again, where visiting teams are rarely allowed a moment’s peace in possession.
It’s in this context that Ten Hag’s statement gains significance. Manchester United have often struggled against high-intensity sides that target their buildup play and attempt to disrupt rhythm early on. In the reverse fixtures last season, Forest’s aggression led to chaotic moments and disciplinary tension — the kind of environment Ten Hag clearly wants to navigate with caution.
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The Fitness Question: Who Is Ten Hag Protecting?
While Ten Hag did not explicitly name the player in his press conference, reports suggest he was referring to either Lisandro Martínez, Kobbie Mainoo, or Rasmus Højlund, all of whom have recently returned from minor knocks. Each has been vital in United’s resurgence in recent weeks, and losing any one of them to re-injury would be a major setback.
Lisandro Martínez, United’s defensive linchpin, has been recovering from a persistent foot injury and was only recently reintegrated into full training. Given Forest’s aerial and physical strength — with players like Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Morgan Gibbs-White pressing high and battling for every ball — it’s understandable why Ten Hag might hesitate to expose his Argentine defender too soon.
Kobbie Mainoo, the teenage midfielder who has become a revelation in United’s midfield, also sustained a minor ankle concern in training. His composure and ball retention would be crucial against Forest’s pressing, but Ten Hag may fear the consequences of him being targeted physically.
Rasmus Højlund, meanwhile, is another candidate. The young striker has recently rediscovered form, scoring crucial goals, but Ten Hag has previously shown caution with the Dane’s workload due to his intense playing style and reliance on explosive movements.
Ten Hag’s history with player management supports this conservative stance. Throughout his tenure, he has often opted to rest returning players in physically demanding matches to ensure they are fully fit for upcoming, higher-stakes fixtures — such as against City, Liverpool, or in Europe.
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Tactical Implications: Rotation and Adaptation
Ten Hag’s decision will inevitably force tactical adjustments. If Martínez is indeed the player being rested, Harry Maguire and Raphaël Varane could partner at centre-back, offering height and experience to handle Forest’s direct play. However, this pairing could reduce the team’s ability to play out from the back, something Ten Hag values deeply.
If Mainoo sits out, Casemiro or Sofyan Amrabat could step in, though neither possesses the same agility and press-resistance. Casemiro, while vastly experienced, has struggled at times against high-tempo opposition, and Amrabat’s inconsistency has been well-documented since joining from Fiorentina.
Should Højlund be benched, Marcus Rashford may move centrally, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony occupying the wings. This would give United pace in transition, a useful tool against Forest’s high defensive line — but it would also limit the team’s aerial presence in the box.
Ten Hag’s balancing act between maintaining structure and preserving key players’ fitness is a delicate one. His comments suggest a broader understanding of the Premier League’s unforgiving schedule and the importance of strategic squad management.
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Ten Hag’s Full Message: A Measured Response
When questioned about team selection during his pre-match media duties, Ten Hag responded firmly but carefully:
> “Nottingham Forest play very aggressive football — that’s their identity, and I respect it. But because of that, there’s no way I’m going to risk it by starting him tomorrow. We have to protect our players. The season is long, and we need everyone fit.”
This statement echoes his philosophy of discipline and planning. Rather than revealing frustration or doubt, Ten Hag’s words suggest calculated control — an effort to manage expectations while ensuring that his side remains physically resilient for the upcoming fixtures.
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The Emotional Undercurrent: Revenge and Resilience
The emotional backdrop of this fixture cannot be ignored. Nottingham Forest have caused United plenty of problems in recent meetings. They defeated the Red Devils twice last season — including a gritty 2–1 win at the City Ground that exposed United’s defensive frailties and mental lapses under pressure.
United’s dressing room will remember those battles well. For players like Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay, this match offers a chance to reassert dominance and send a statement about United’s progress under Ten Hag. At the same time, Dyche’s men will be eager to prove that their previous wins were no flukes and that their aggressive approach can again unsettle one of England’s biggest clubs.
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Looking Ahead: Smart Management or Over-Caution?
Reactions among fans have been mixed. Some supporters praise Ten Hag for showing foresight — protecting his best players ahead of a demanding run that includes fixtures against Manchester City, Tottenham, and European opposition. Others, however, interpret it as excessive caution, worrying that United might lack firepower or leadership against a tenacious Forest side.
Yet history may vindicate Ten Hag. In a season where injuries have already disrupted his plans, the manager’s focus on controlled rotation and physical preservation could be key to sustaining momentum. Winning without risking players’ long-term health would reflect maturity and strategic depth — qualities that define elite management.
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Conclusion
As kickoff approaches, Erik ten Hag’s message has set the tone for a fascinating clash at the City Ground. His refusal to “risk it” against Nottingham Forest highlights both the intensity of Dyche’s team and the fine margins that define Premier League football.
Whether this cautious approach pays off will depend on how effectively United’s replacements perform under pressure. But one thing is clear: Ten Hag has drawn a line — player welfare and long-term stability come first, even in the face of Forest’s ferocious challenge.
In a league where every point counts and every injury could alter the season’s trajectory, that might just be the wisest decision of all.
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