Marcus Rashford scored one goal and assisted another as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 to leave fourth-placed Tottenham by one point in the Premier League.
United’s preparations have been disrupted by a virus that has left Raphael Varane, who recently returned from World Cup duty with France, as their only suitable centre-back, with Erik ten Hag having to use the back. left-back Luke Shaw beside him.
But Forest rarely tested their makeshift backline, and in United’s first Premier League game since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Rashford took center stage, scoring the opener from a clever corner. of Christian Eriksen in the 19th minute, then set up Anthony Martial for the second shortly after .
Forest’s Ryan Yates witnessed a goal disallowed by VAR for offside just before half-time, but in contrast, United prevailed and won as the brilliant Casemiro robbed the ball overhead and passed to substitute Fred, who hit a powerful three-pointer. minutes from time.
The win ensures United continue their Premier League campaign in the best possible way, closing the gap with Spurs as they chase a top-four finish, while Forest remain 19th, one way from safety. point.
How United’s journey to victory
Warning signs appeared for Nottingham Forest from the opening minutes of the game, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia finding space on the flanks and those who subsequently witnessed an effort. Wayne Hennessey’s force sent the ball wide of the post.
The goalkeeper, on loan for Dean Henderson against his parent club, was lucky the shot didn’t miss the post without going straight into the net, but United didn’t have to wait long to make a step. overate.
Rashford’s goal, first taken after a pre-practice corner, helped him score five in his last eight games for United on both sides of the World Cup – where he also scored three for the team. He – and then he became the assist for Martial.
Hennessey should have done better with Martial’s low effort, the Wales international was beaten despite touching the shot, but the goal was overpowered by a deft counter-attack by the hosts, which started with Casemiro winning a tackle near his touchline.
Marcus Rashford celebrates with Anthony Martial at Old Trafford
United looked completely in control as the first half approached but they conceded a goal as unmarked Yates was denied the goal by VAR after a free kick, his header hitting Wily Boly in an offside position before beating David de Gea.
Forest started the second half a little brighter, but the best opportunities continued to come to United as Antony, Martial, Rashford and Casemiro were all denied by Hennessey.
Willy Boly scores just because his effort is ruled out by VAR for offside
Forest’s best chance of scoring an equalizer came when Brennan Johnson’s heel loop saved De Gea from close range, but United sealed the victory in style.
Casemiro, brilliant on both ends of the pitch throughout the game, displayed impressive alertness to block Forest’s pass as they attempted to launch a counter-attack, then passed it to Fred, who had the finish. Beautifully find the far corner, open the eye-catching match score. night jobs for homeowners.
Fred scores Manchester United’s third goal against Nottingham Forest
Ten Hag happy but aiming to sign contract
Erik ten Hag Talk to BBC: “We didn’t concede a goal, kept a clean sheet. Happy because that was always the basis to play. We could have scored more goals.
“We had some great attacks, a lot of movement. When you’re against the keeper, you have to score more goals.”
Regarding Marcus Rashford’s performance, he added: “Again, not only Rashford but I’m really pleased with his performance. He is in very good form and if he continues with his form. In this way and in this spirit, it’s good for us and good for him.”
On United’s plans for the January transfer window, he added Amazon Prime Minister: “We are looking for attacking players. We are looking for a striker.
“We are always in the market, but it has to be in accordance with the sporting criteria as well as the financial criteria. We do what we can to bring in the players we need.”
Rashford revived with eyes on title
Marcus Rashford celebrates opening the scoring
Marcus Rashford Talk to BBC: “I think the most important thing is that I’m enjoying myself, I’m focused and happy. I hope that can continue. I want to have a really good season this year and hopefully win a title with the club.
“That’s the main goal. That’s the ambition we’ve had for a long time. When I first joined the team, we had a good start, we won three or four titles in the first few years. .
“Since then we have been in a difficult period but the only way to get through it is to keep working hard and we have to keep listening to the manager and the staff, playing football. that he wants to play and win. If we keep improving, we’ll be in and around those opportunities.
“I think everyone enjoys playing here [at Old Trafford], it is probably one of the best stadiums in the world. It has great fans and when we play well it’s a great feeling, great atmosphere. There’s not much you can compare to it.”
Analysis: Casemiro turns Man Utd
Casemiro named Man of the Match at Old Trafford
If Manchester United go through and secure a place in the top four, they will owe a lot to Casemiro. The Brazilian has been slowly getting on the pitch since his arrival from Real Madrid in the summer, but there is no doubt his importance now.
Starting his 13th of United’s 14 matches on either side of the World Cup, he is believed to have produced his best performance in a win that left Erik ten Hag’s side just behind the fourth-placed team. Tottenham one point.
United certainly need him as a virus has forced the coach to field a temporary centre-back pairing of Raphael Varane, who has just returned from a World Cup break with France, and a left-back. Luke Shaw.
But the 30-year-old defended that duo brilliantly, dominating the midfield from the start and helping Forest rarely get close to United’s goal.
He excelled in defence, catching opportunities on tackles – one of which opened United’s second goal – and anticipating danger, but he was equally influential on the side. across the pitch, his all-round performance reminded him of his inclusivity.
He nearly scored with a clever chip that forced Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to make a brilliant save in the second half, and Fred’s late pass, after a typical smart intercept, was one in three chances he creates.
Of course, this kind of performance should come as no surprise. Casemiro has won the Champions League five times for a reason. But it is important for United that he has adapted to the Premier League so quickly. They have only lost one of the last 13 games that he started. His role in their recent innovation is an important one.
Cooper laments Protect the forest
Nottingham Forest owner Steve Cooper said: “Tonight is always going to be really tough here and we know the game is going to be like that when they have territory and possession.
“Goals are killers in terms of a set-piece where some players clearly didn’t fulfill their responsibilities.
“And then we were in a pretty good position in the United box, but then to give up space and territory we did. I’m not saying we gave away the goal because they had to work hard. effort to get there, but it’s frustrating with goals.
“I just felt that we could step back a little bit in the game. We got in between the lines two or three times in the first half but didn’t capitalize. In the end, you have to take advantage of most situations. situation at this level.
“I’m a big believer in looking at the execution. At times, I’m more frustrated with the lack of quality at the top of the pitch, the lack of confidence in decision making and taking risks and supporting myself. .”
Rashford is in good form – Opta Stats
- Marcus Rashford has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season for Manchester United (21 games), double his tally from last season (5 goals in 32 games).
- Anthony Martial has been directly involved in five goals in his last six Premier League appearances for Manchester United (3 goals, 2 assists, all under Erik ten Hag) – 1 more than The previous 21 games (under Ralf Rangnick, Michael Carrick and Ole). Gunnar Solskjær).
- Fred’s goal, assisted by Casemiro, was the first time two Brazilian players had come together to score for Manchester United in the Premier League.
- Manchester United have kept four clean sheets in a row at Old Trafford in the Premier League for the first time since February-June 2020.
What’s next?
Manchester United are far away the wolf in the next Premier League game on Saturday, starting at 12:30pm.
Forest of Nottingham host Chelsea live on Sports sky on Sundays, starting at 4:30pm.
