- Manchester United hosted Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in the Premier League
- It was United’s first Premier League match since the 2022 FIFA World Cup break
- Goals from Rashford, Martial and Fred sealed the three points for United in a classy home display
In their first Premier League match following the World Cup break, Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Marcus Rashford serving as the spark.
Rashford was once again United’s star player as they closed the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham to one point by defeating Burnley in the EFL Cup last week.
With a goal right off the practice field, the England attacker gave a dominant United the early lead before assisting Anthony Martial.
Just before halftime, Forest had a goal reversed, but this was not a sign that United would face more pressure after coasting to a late third through substitute Fred.
Manchester United players celebrate after Marcus Rashford scored the opener against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday, December 27 2022. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |
Due to illness, Erik ten Hag was obliged to select a backline that was rather unfamiliar, with Luke Shaw playing center back.
But United showed no signs of being hindered by that, as they quickly took the lead justifiably thanks to Rashford’s beautifully deft finish of Christian Eriksen’s clever corner throw.
Three minutes later, United made it 2-0 thanks to a counterattack that was started by Casemiro’s outstanding recovery. Rashford again played a significant role by latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ astute pass and setting up Anthony Martial to past the unconvincing Wayne Hennessey.
On the cusp of halftime, Willy Boly diverted Ryan Yates’ header in, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
When Antony missed a fantastic opportunity with only Hennessey to beat early in the second half, United should have capitalized on that reprieve.
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring the second against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. | PHOTO: Sky |
When Casemiro won the ball back, charged into the final third, and found Fred for a simple finish, United put the game beyond Forest late on. Rashford also missed an excellent opportunity when he scuffed substitute Donny van de Beek’s cut-back.
Manchester United look free without Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United was announced in the middle of the FIFA World Cup, and United supporters reacted favourably to the news despite Ronaldo’s early-season struggles to fit into the team’s formation.
Burnley and Forest may not be the best of opponents, but without Ronaldo to slow them down, United has looked slick and unhindered moving forward.
They ought to have scored more than they did on Tuesday, but there was always the impression that they could have turned things up a level if necessary. Ultimately, they easily defeated a subpar Forest team.
Casemiro was class once again
Rashford will garner most of the attention, but Casemiro put on a clinic. By gaining the ball back near his own corner flag, he was instrumental in United’s second goal. Later, he repeated the feat and assisted in their third goal. He was tyrannical.
Manchester United have one more match this calendar year when they go to Wolves on Saturday, while Forest will wait till January 1st when they will be at home to Chelsea.
