Man United still look snookered despite victory over Nottingham Forest

Royalty of Northern Irish sport spotted each other in the posh bit of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand seconds before this all kicked off.

Jonny Evans, who has returned to Manchester United on a one-year contract, took his seat and directly behind him sat Dennis Taylor. The two chatted away, Evans on the half-turn in a way his midfield were not. Smiles and laughs, it was a nice scene.

The conversation had not ended by the time Nottingham Forest were one up, United stymieing themselves. Once Willy Boly allowed a cross to hit him and divert past Andre Onana moments later, Erik ten Hag was left requiring snookers.

United were staring at the prospect of losing two of their first three Premier League matches. In the end they won their fouls and bossed the green carpet, but against better opposition — particularly those who do not lose their captain to a straight red card at 2-1 — United might not find their way back in.

How United would love routine for a bit. Imagine the other Champions League clubs here with a two-goal lead. They cannot do this at Arsenal next week, or against Brighton after the international break.

With 10 men and searching for an equaliser, Forest still believed they could leave with something. A fortnight prior, Wolves were left aghast at a failure to award a late penalty which would have given them a point.

Forest and Wolves are not expected to trouble the top half of this division, whereas Tottenham are and dispatched Ten Hag’s side with ease. There is a lot to be done if United are to build on last season and not just tread water.

For that to happen, Ten Hag will need to buck a trend of recent managers, who flourish early on before falling away, and he will be shocked by that first Forest goal, Taiwo Awoniyi