5 talking points from Manchester United’s dominant Nottingham Forest victory

Manchester United reclaim third place in the Premier League after a dominant 2-0 display over Nottingham Forest.

The fixture started fast with Erik ten Hag‘s rotated Manchester United side playing proactive football as both sides were granted early chances that were not converted.

Antony opened the scoring after latching on to a palmed save from Keylor Navas, who had denied Anthony Martial just seconds earlier.

Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen played fantastically after being reunited with each other in the middle of the park.

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It was Diogo Dalot who popped up with his first Premier League goal after Antony brilliantly slipped in the full-back to finish past Navas.

#1 – The injury list is becoming comical

Around 90 minutes before kick-off, it was confirmed that Tyrell Malacia was not available to face Forest due to a knee problem, with Diogo Dalot slotting in at an unorthodox left-back role as a replacement.

This injury news was further compounded as Marcel Sabitzer had to withdraw from the starting XI just 15 minutes before kick-off with a groin problem, being replaced by Christian Eriksen.

#mufc's current injury list…

Marcus Rashford
Donny van de Beek
Tyrell Malacia
Luke Shaw
Raphael Varane
Lisandro Martinez
Alejandro Garnacho
Scott McTominay
Phil Jones
Marcel Sabitzer
Tom Heaton

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) April 16, 2023

This was almost further compounded as David de Gea was spotted limping early in the first half, although he ultimately stayed on the field after Jack Butland started warming up from the bench.

#3 – Sancho’s strength on display

When Jadon Sancho is mentioned, usually his name is associated with intricate and silky football with a wide creative flair – some of the traits that earned him his £75 million move to Manchester United.

However, against Forest, Sancho showed formidable strength on multiple occasions to hold the ball up and make sure United retained possession; especially during transitions from defence to attack.

His successful hold-up play meant when United successfully regained possession, he could keep the ball while his team reset into their attacking roles – and it hampered any momentum that Forest would try to build.

#3 – Maguire must step up his game

With Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martinez both injured for the tie, it was up to Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to marshall the defensive line.

Maguire, however, had a shaky for the first 45 minutes and a yellow card in the third minute, and generally looked uncomfortable in the back line as Forest posed a genuine threat.

With his responsibilities coming into the back end of the season becoming increasingly important, it is imperative that Maguire is able to fix his form and regain his confidence with Martinez out for the season.

This was shown in the second half as he and his defence stifled the Forest attack to keep their clean sheet intact.

#4 – Fernandes and Eriksen have fun

Eriksen, Fernandes, and Casemiro were reunited in the starting XI for the first time since the end of January as Erik ten Hag was once again able to play his strongest midfield.

Although Eriksen was not due to start until Sabitzer’s injury in the warm-up, he was fantastic in midfield and looked straight back at home, creating chances alongside Fernandes.

Fernandes himself was fantastic throughout the fixture, both in creating and goalscoring scenarios, leading Manchester United’s attack structure and movements throughout the fixture.

#5 – Antony provides Premier League goods

Anthony’s goal against Forest saw him, scored his first Premier League goal since he scored three in a row during his first three fixtures in the competition.

After a slightly erratic start to the match, Antony was both goalscorer and creator on the right-wing as he also assisted Dalot’s confident finish in the second half.

Antony proved once again today that perseverance trumps all, and despite mixed performances across the season, he continues to both create and provide a goal threat.

With Marcus Rashford injured, Antony could be the man to pick up where Rashford left off with his goalscoring form for the foreseeable future.