Match Report | Highlights | Post-Match Reaction
Nottingham Forest 0 Manchester United 2
Antony ’32 Dalot ’76
Antony scored one and created another to move Manchester United above Newcastle and back to third in the Premier League. United were, by far, the better side throughout and dominated both the possession and shots statistics, with the Forest keeper, Navas, managing to keep the scoreline a respectable two-nil.
United were without Malacia, Shaw, Varane, Martinez, Sabitzer, Garnacho and Rashford but, for the first time in quite a while, could field Casemiro, Fernandes and Eriksen together in midfield. All three were exceptional and helped United dominate possession in a way they’ve struggled with recently.
Both fullbacks were outstanding, with Dalot, playing out of position on the left, rewarded with a deserved goal. Wan-Bissaka, on the right, must be the most improved player at the club. Ten Hag has developed him tremendously this season. His rampaging runs forward, link-up play with Antony, and almost unbeatable one on one defending is in stark contrast with the player that looked like not only was he out but that he’d struggle to find a loan club too.
At the heart of the defence, Lindelof had an assured performance beside Maguire. Maguire started nervously but played through the crowd’s jeers to keep a clean sheet. He had looked like an accident waiting to happen for a lot of the first half but dug in to deliver a solid display.
The front three all contributed with Antony at his most dogged and was well worth his goal. Martial, still finding fitness, stretched the Forest defence while Sancho veered from sloppy to exquisite. He is improving but has some way to go. Again he had an early chance to make it one nil, but his shot was deflected to safety off Felipe.
After weathering a tough opening, United gradually took control in the first half. For all that control, it was a mistake that gave United the chance to score. Forest allowed Martial to win back a ball he had just lost and find Fernandes in space. The Frenchman broke towards the box, and Fernandes’ pass found him perfectly. He hit the shot first time with his left, and Navas’ save fell into the path of Antony, who slid in at the far post to score.
United’s second was more reflective of their football on the day. Lindelof found Casemiro, who laid it off for Eriksen to play the first-time pass to Fernandes. Fernandes took a touch and then pushed to ball outside to Antony. The Brazilian drove diagonally towards the penalty spot, teasing defenders as he went before slipping a ball through for Dalot’s run on the outside. Dalot took a touch to control before putting it past the helpless Forest keeper.
United next travel to Seville, where they will have to again find a way to win despite their absentees.
Nottingham Forest
Navas, Williams, Felipe, Niakhate, McKenna, Lodi, Danilo, Freuler, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Awoniyi.
Subss: Hennessey, Worrall, Toffolo, Mangala, Shelvey, Lingard, Surridge, Dennis, Ayew.
Manchester United
De Gea, Wan-Bisaaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes; Antony, Eriksen, Sancho, Martial.
Subs: Butland, Williams, Jurado, Fred, Pellistri, Iqbal, Weghorst, Elanga.