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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 17
Manchester United v Nottingham Forest
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Tuesday, 27 December 2022
Kick-off is at 19h30
Manchester United will renew their assault on the Premier League's top four when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
The Red Devils got off to a bumpy start under Erik ten Hag, losing their opening two matches of the season against Brighton (2-1) and Brentford (4-0).
But Ten Hag has steadily managed to get his philosophy across to the players and United went on to win eight of their next 12 games to close within three points of the Champions League places in fifth spot.
Ten Hag's side closed out the first half of the campaign with a 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on November 13, having bounced back from a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Aston Villa the previous week.
A big plus for the Dutchman has been the form of Marcus Rashford, who seems to be enjoying his football again and scored three goals for England at the 2022 World Cup.
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The United academy graduate has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks but Ten Hag insists he's not about to entertain any offers for the Three Lions forward.
"He has to make a decision," the 52-year-old said. "The only thing we can do is show him this is the best club to be in, which has to do with the culture of the club and also in the way we are working, in the way we play and the way we train and if we are offering the right environment to progress.
"It's a financial issue as well. Then it is up to him to make the decision. But for one-and-a-half years, he will be here."
Forest bolstered their survival hopes with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace before the World Cup break, which took them within a point of safety in 18th position.
Steve Cooper's team did well to pick themselves up from a heavy 5-0 loss to league leaders Arsenal on October 30 by going unbeaten in their two outings in November.
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Cooper believes the Reds will get better as the campaign progresses, admitting it has taken time for his new-look squad to gel following their promotion back to the Premier League in May.
"It's been a tough few months with the turnaround in the squad but these guys have been brilliant in terms of their attitude," he said.
"We know at times we haven't been the team we need to be but that's a natural process of putting the team together."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United - 5
Forest - 0
Draws - 0
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