What Dan Ashworth was seen doing immediately after Man United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest - journalist

Ruben Amorim suffered his second defeat as manager of Manchester United on a weary evening against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

When he was first appointed, Amorim warned that there would be tough times ahead at Man United – his immediate upsurge in form and mood would still face some difficult tests.

Of course, defeats to Arsenal and Forest in particular have been somewhat sobering for the Old Trafford faithful, who have been reminded of the project ahead.

Judging by what Amorim’s sides have displayed so far, there’s clearly a huge reason for optimism, but it’s going to take time, investment and patience.

On that note, sporting director Dan Ashworth will also have a key role to play, the man tasked with helping provide a sufficient platform for Amorim.

Dan Ashworth seems aware of big task ahead after Forest defeat

Bruno Fernandes impressed against Forest, but otherwise there were obvious areas for improvement moving forward.

That being said, journalist Simon Stone provided an interesting insight into Ashworth’s mood after the 3-2 loss to Forest.

READ MORE: What Ruben Amorim has privately told Manchester United’s board about Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite

Stone was at Old Trafford reporting for BBC Sport and spotted Ashworth walking through the mixed zone after the game.

The journalist noted that United’s new sporting director had his head down and was avoiding eye contact with those in the room – perhaps a man who is focused on the mission ahead.

Stone said: “Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth just walked through the media room, heading from one part of the stadium to another.

“He kept his head down and didn’t make eye contact with the journalists present.

“Ashworth and the other United executives have a lot of work in front of them over the next weeks and months.”

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Predominantly, it would appear that Amorim needs to first address his wing-back situation at United – he doesn’t have similar options to the ones that he left at Sporting CP.

Amad Diallo has been excellent at times in a makeshift role, but he is surely destined for a more advanced spot long-term.

On that note, United have identified a new left wing-back for Amorim, someone they were actually in talks with before their new manager arrived.

As things stand, United are 13th in the Premier League, and qualifying for Europe is looking increasingly unlikely.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
11	TottenhamTottenham	14	6	2	6	28	15	13	20
12	NewcastleNewcastle	15	5	5	5	19	21	-2	20
13	Man UtdManchester United	15	5	4	6	19	18	1	19
14	West HamWest Ham	14	4	3	7	18	27	-9	15
15	EvertonEverton	14	3	5	6	14	21	-7	14

And with no European football at all next season, both Amorim and Ashworth’s jobs would certainly be a lot more difficult.