Erik ten Hag’s team delivered a lackluster performance, culminating in Morgan Gibbs-White’s late winner at the City Ground.

Nicolas Dominguez had given Forest the lead in the second half before Marcus Rashford leveled with only his third goal in a challenging campaign.

This defeat, United’s fourth in the last six games across all competitions, sees them languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, trailing the top four by nine points.

Despite a spirited comeback against Aston Villa earlier in the week, hailed as the start of a new era following Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, United’s struggles continue.

British billionaire Ratcliffe acquired a 25 percent stake in United for approximately £1.03 billion ($1.3 billion) on Christmas Eve, with his INEOS Group set to take control from the unpopular Glazer family.

However, the latest loss raises questions about Ten Hag’s future, despite claims of Ratcliffe’s desire to work with him.

INEOS’s head of sport Dave Brailsford, alongside the former club’s boss Alex Ferguson, witnessed United’s defeat to Forest for the first time since 1994.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest, five points clear of the relegation zone, secured their second high-profile victory under his management.

Nuno’s first win as Forest boss after replacing the sacked Steve Cooper came against Newcastle, but this was an even bigger scalp.

United’s lackluster performance, marked by misplaced passes and an inability to find rhythm, further raises concerns about Ten Hag’s tenure.

Forest’s triumph adds to United’s woes, leaving Ten Hag in a precarious position, requiring a significant improvement to avoid potential dismissal.