Nottingham Forest fans are hopeful of reaching the FA Cup semi-finals ahead of their Brighton on Saturday, but some might be concerned after boss Nuno Espirito Santo rested key men for the trip to the Amex
Wayne Rooney has fumed at Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo for resting a host of key players for their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton. The former Manchester United star said he would be “fuming” if he were a fan given the team’s huge chance of winning silverware.
Espirito Santo made three changes to the team that beat Ipswich 4-2 before the international break, with key wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga both benched.
Ryan Yates and Danilo were named in the starting XI in their place, while Taiwo Awoniyi was brought in for Forest’s star striker Chris Wood, who has picked up an injury.
Forest are battling to secure a place in the Champions League this season, which would be an incredible turnaround after fighting relegation in 2023-24, with Espirito Santo’s men currently third on 54 points.
England is likely to be given five spots for the Champions League and they are still seven points off six-placed Newcastle, but it’s clear the Forest boss is taking no chances with his team selection.
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Rooney was far from impressed and felt he should have picked his strongest team available, telling BBC Sport: “I am shocked. The FA Cup is such a prestige tournament and to rest players in a quarter-final…
“They’re trying to get Champions League football, but as a player you want to play and try get momentum. If I was a fan I would be fuming. You want to win silverware and this is a great opportunity.”
The decision to bench Hudson-Odoi and Elanga certainly is puzzling given how dangerous both players have been on the wings this season. Hudson-Odoi has five goals and two assists, while ex-Manchester United star Elanga has produced five goals and eight assists.
Forest boss Espirito Santo defended his team selection and said he wanted to give a chance to some players who haven’t featured too often in the Premier League.
“The Cup is always a good chance for players who work hard and don’t get minutes in the Premier League,” he said before the game. “Game-by-game. Today is a tough one and then we think about the next one.”
The Portuguese coach has done a superb job at the City Ground since taking charge last year. He saved Forest from relegation, securing a 17th-placed finish on 32 points.
This season, he has guided Forest to 16 wins and six draws, with just seven defeats. They are just four points off second-placed Arsenal and look nailed on to secure Champions League football, barring a total disaster in the latter stage of the season.
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