Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford to get themselves out of trouble.
Erik Ten Hag’s team was trying to bounce back from their loss against Tottenham when they unexpectedly fell behind 2-0 after just four startling minutes.
However, United recovered thanks to a red card for Forest’s Joe Worall in another unimpressive performance.
The hosts got off to a terrible start. With only 90 seconds left, Taiwo Awoniyi scored past Andre Onana after Forest cleared a Bruno Fernandes corner and Marcus Rashford and Antony were somehow the last two players to return.
Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford to get themselves out of trouble.
Erik Ten Hag’s team was trying to bounce back from their loss against Tottenham when they unexpectedly fell behind 2-0 after just four startling minutes.
However, United recovered thanks to a red card for Forest’s Joe Worall in another unimpressive performance.
The hosts got off to a terrible start. With only 90 seconds left, Taiwo Awoniyi scored past Andre Onana after Forest cleared a Bruno Fernandes corner and Marcus Rashford and Antony were somehow the last two players to return.
Within four minutes, it was two. Willy Boly, who was unmarked, headed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s center after Diogo Dalot conceded the infraction on the right.
After settling down, United responded after 17 minutes. Christian Eriksen scored from close range thanks to a cross from Marcus Rashford, who was operating from the left.
After 25 minutes, Casemiro wasted a clear-cut opportunity to make it 2-2 as United dominated the remainder of the first half.
They remained exposed, though, as Brennan Johnson almost increased Forest’s lead once more only for his goal-bound shot to strike Awoniyi, his own man.
But seven minutes into the second half, United tied the game. In a complex free-kick maneuver, Rashford and Bruno Fernandes traded passes before the former squared for Casemiro, who couldn’t miss from close range a second time.
At the midpoint of the second half, Forest was reduced to 10 after Joe Worrall was found to have fouled Fernandes as he was advancing toward goal.
15 minutes from time, the captain gave United the lead by converting from the penalty spot after Rashford had been tripped by Danilo while breaking into the area.
A late Andre Onana save prevented Forest from tying the score on another ineffective Old Trafford afternoon.
1. Andre Onana 5
Collapsed in the face of Taiwo Awoniyi for the opening goal after being horribly exposed. In reality, after a mad opening had very little to do.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6
Nearly saw a deflected cross end up in the back of the net after some good skill. Stuck to his task pretty well on a day where United’s backline didn’t cover themselves in glory.
3. Raphael Varane 5 (off HT)
Produced some good covering challenges when United were exposed but had a tough 45 minutes before being taken off.
4. Lisandro Martinez 5
All at sea at times – especially against the physical Awomiyi. Saw plenty of the ball when Forest sat but often exposed going the other way.
5. Diogo Dalot 4
Given the nod at left-back but didn’t cover himself in glory in place of Luke Shaw.
6. Casemiro 5
Stood standing as Willy Boly headed in Forest’s second unmarked and then missed an absolute sitter to make it 2-2 in the first half. Couldn’t miss a second time after the interval when he improved.
7. Christian Eriksen 6
In for the injured Mason Mount and scored a tidy goal with the outside of his right foot but in reality didn’t have much of an impact on the game.
8. Bruno Fernandes 7
Did more than anyone to try and get United back in the game – his elaborate free-kick routine with Rashford setting up the second goal before he scored from the spot.
9. Antony 5 (off 82)
Really lacking in end product in a poor first period. Nearly put United in front with a fine curling effort after the interval before coming close to laying on a goal for Bruno Fernandes.
10. Marcus Rashford 7
Beaten in the centre circle for the opening goal but how he was last man is anyone’s guess. Back at the right end for United, did all the work for Eriksen’s goal that got United back in it and then played a hand in the second with Ferandes. Also won the penalty.
11. Anthony 3 (off 60)
Back in the side for his 300th United appearance but provided no goal threat in the opening half. Made a hash of one opening when seemingly in on goal at the start of the second period.
12. Victor Lindelof 5
Replaced Varane at the interval and nearly exposed immediately after coming on, also sold short by an Onana pass.
13. Jadon Sancho 6
Some bright touches when coming on to lead the line in place of Martial.
14. Scott McTominay 6 (on 82)
Brought on late in the piece to help sure things up. Took a bang for his troubles deep into 11 minutes of added on time.
