"Ten Hag is that you?" "There was no sense in that" - Manchester United fans question Amorim's decision to sub out star in Forest loss

Manchester United fans questioned manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to sub out Bruno Fernandes and replace him with Mason Mount in their 2-3 Premier League defeat at home against Nottingham Forest. Following a 2-0 away defeat to Arsenal in midweek, United hoped to return to winning ways against Forest at Old Trafford.

Unfortunately, the Red Devils got off to a bad start as they were undone in the opening two minutes from a corner kick. Nikola Milenkovic put the visitors ahead, heading home a cross into United’s box from Elliot Anderson.

Ruben Amorim’s men were undeterred and started dominating proceedings. They were back on level terms in the 18th minute as Rasmus Hojlund slotted home Matz Sels’ parried effort that came in his direction.

Nottingham Forest started the second half with the same theme as the first, as it took them just under two minutes to restore their lead after the restart. Morgan Gibbs-White put his side ahead as his swinging effort completely wrong-footed Andre Onana and nestled in the middle of the goal.

Chris Wood added a third before the hour mark as his looping header went into the far post. With almost 30 minutes remaining, captain Bruno Fernandes stepped up for Manchester United and rifled home an effort to reduce his side's deficit.

However, it ended up being a consolation goal as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men saw out the remaining minutes to earn a 2-3 victory.

While Manchester United were trailing 2-3, Ruben Amorim decided to introduce Mason Mount in the 76th minute. But he did it at the expense of Bruno Fernandes. The decision raised eyebrows among the United faithful as they felt Fernandes has been their go-to man for a goal when needed.

After the match, Manchester United fans took to X to question Ruben Amorim’s decision to withdraw the Portuguese star when they needed him the most.

An X user wrote:

''Substituting Bruno for Mount? Ten Hag is that you??''

Another tweeted:

''He also messed up the subs by bringing in Mount and removing Bruno and Ugarte there was no sense in that sub at all''

''I don’t even care how bad Bruno is & how much he loses it. You keep him on the pitch till the end when you are chasing it. He’s still a game changer in any moment as he showed for his 2nd goal. Mount offered nothing.'' @AmorimBalll_ chimed in

''Taking off Bruno and Ugarte has been a mistake. Mount and Zirkzee have done absolutely nothing.'' @BusbyBulletin opined

I still don’t get how he could take Bruno and Ugarte off. Omo I no even understand again. Mount is shite. @thePRcaptain wrote

''Rúben Amorim taking off Bruno Fernandes while losing 3-2 is something you can't explain. You want a goal, you want an assist, you want a key pass, you need Bruno Fernandes.'' @TheEuropeanLad wrote

After the match, Ruben Amorim explained why he replaced Bruno Fernandes with Mason Mount, saying the Portuguese was down on energy.

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‘’We started really bad’’ – Ruben Amorim on Manchester United’s 2-3 defeat to Forest

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said his side started appallingly against Forest. The Red Devils trailed in the opening two minutes from a set piece.

The Portuguese tactician claimed while United are improving in some aspects, there is a long road ahead. He told BBC:

"Tough game. We started really bad, the first play we suffered a goal and then it's hard to try to fight. We then controlled the game and had a lot of situations. We improved the movement in the last third. We managed to draw the game and then at half-time we were ready to go for the win and then started really bad. Two goals. Then we tried a lot of things with not a lot of quality.

"We didn't have many situations to score. Tough game in a tough moment but we have to continue the job. This is a long journey. We are improving in some aspects. We have to win games to help us improve the team. We are in the start of something so big that we pay attention to every detail. We already know it's a big job so we have to continue."

Manchester United will next be in action against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday, December 12.