Impressive Ola: Super Eagles defender Aina tops surprising stat in unlikely win against Man United

Nigeria's Ola Aina against Manchester United.

Impressive Ola: Super Eagles defender Aina tops surprising stat in unlikely win against Man United

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:29 - 08.12.2024

Nigeria Super Eagles star Ola Aina was in fine form as Nottingham Forest sealed a first win at Old Trafford against Man United in 30 years.

Nigeria's Super Eagles defender Ola Aina delivered an outstanding performance as Nottingham Forest achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The result was Forest’s first win at the iconic stadium in 30 years and Aina's contributions in this thrilling encounter proved decisive as he showed his skills both defensively and offensively.

Aina was instrumental throughout the match and topped the statistic for dribbles. He completed three dribbles, the highest on the pitch alongside Amad Diallo, and maintained an impressive passing accuracy of 80%. 

Additionally, he created one chance and made one key pass during the game, with 100% crosses, while also contributing defensively with two interceptions and eight recoveries. 

Nottingham Forest celebrate a shock defeat at Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest celebrate a shock defeat at Manchester United.

His performance helped Nottingham Forest move to fifth place in the Premier League standings.

The Portuguese was looking to lead his team back to winning ways after Arsenal handed him his first loss as coach in midweek at the Emirates Stadium.

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina had another good outing for Forest.
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina had another good outing for Forest.

However, a defensive disaster class led by Cameroon’s Andre Onana and his back three saw the Red Devils hand early Christmas presents to their visitors.

French youngster Leny Yoro is handed his full debut as Manchester United boss Amorim made five changes to the side beaten at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Aina completed the most dribbles against Man United.
Aina completed the most dribbles against Man United.

Callum Hudson-Odoi returned for Nottingham Forest as one of three changes, while Aina retained his position in defence.

But it was the Tricky Trees who started on the front foot when Nikola Milenkovic headed home his first Nottingham Forest goal from a corner after just two minutes. 

Aina against Manuel Ugarte.
Aina against Manuel Ugarte.

Rasmus Hojlund equalised moments later as United responded brilliantly heading into the break. United retuned to the second half looking to take initiative only to be undone by individual errors as Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Woods fouled the lead at 3-1.

Bruno Fernandes, responsible for Gibbs-White strike, pulled one back to atone for his earlier error but it was not enough to stop Aina and his Tricky teammates from leave with all three points.