Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has explained his decision to switch formations following the injury to Nigerian international Ola Aina during their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday night at the City Ground.
Super Eagles fullback Aina was forced off in the 39th minute with what is suspected to be a calf-related injury. The match saw Forest claim a famous victory courtesy of a fifth minute goal from former United player Anthony Elanga. With Aina’s exit disrupting Forest’s shape, Nuno responded by taking off Danilo and bringing on Morato, shifting to a back five.
“After Ola Aina’s injury, we were struggling to control the left side,” Nuno said in a post-match interview. “We changed to a back five, and Morato helped stabilise things it worked perfectly.”
The severity of Aina’s injury is not yet known, with medical scans scheduled to determine the full extent. “We don’t know. Hopefully, it’s not serious, but it’s concerning when a player goes down without contact,” Nuno added.
Aina has been one of Forest’s standout performers this season, having started all 30 Premier League games, scoring twice and providing one assist. His absence could be a blow for both club and country, especially with the Premier League run-in and international fixtures looming.
The Bet9ja promotion code for June 2025 is YOHAIG. Bet9japromotioncode.com.ng has more info about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria. Follow this link for more - https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. This Bet9ja promo code gives a Bet9ja welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. https://29sixservices.in/employer/bet9ja-promotion-code-2025/. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup and the Bet9ja bonus code to get started today on the Bet9ja website. Bet9ja offers a 170 per cent multiple boost bonus and a free bet for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To open a Bet9ja account and be a Bet9ja customer, you must go through the registration process here. Terms and conditions apply when you register with Bet9ja to get the bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorial
Ola Aina’s injury is a sobering reminder of how pivotal players can shape a team’s rhythm not just by their presence, but by their absence. For Nottingham Forest, Aina has been indispensable, blending consistency with versatility across the backline. That he’s started every league match this season is a testament to both his fitness and trust earned from the technical bench.
Nuno’s tactical acumen deserves applause. Many managers freeze in the face of unexpected disruptions, but he adjusted swiftly, reverting to a back five that effectively sealed the win. This flexibility separates reactive coaches from proactive tacticians.
But looking ahead, Forest and Nigeria must tread carefully. Aina’s fitness is crucial not just for Premier League survival but also for the Super Eagles’ preparations. With few players capable of replicating his attacking and defensive balance, a long-term absence could prove problematic.
Injury setbacks are inevitable in football, but it’s how teams respond that matters. Forest did that admirably on the night. Now, fans and officials will hold their breath as they await the results of Aina’s scans.
Did You Know?
- Ola Aina graduated from Chelsea’s academy but made most of his first-team breakthroughs on loan, including a successful stint at Torino in Italy.
- Anthony Elanga became the first former Manchester United player to score against them in a Forest shirt since 1995.
- Nuno Espírito Santo’s league double over Manchester United makes him the first Forest boss to do so since the legendary Brian Clough.
- Aina’s two Premier League goals this season are his joint-highest in a single campaign.
- Taiwo Awoniyi, also a Super Eagle, started the match in place of the injured Chris Wood, marking the first time two Nigerian players have started up front for Forest in a Premier League fixture this season.
