Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Five things learned

Manchester United triumphed 3-0 over Nottingham Forest on their return to Premier League football, going one point behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.

Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest fell victim to the classic Rashford-Martial one-two punch combo, with the pair each bagging a goal each in the first half. United in general dominated although were lucky not to concede shortly before half-time, with a Forest set piece goal ruled out for offside. Fred rounded off the win with a lovely finish near the end of the game.

Here are five things UtdDistrict learned from the victory:

1) Marcus Rashford is well and truly back

A brilliantly taken goal and clever assist were the cherries on top of what was a fantastic performance by Marcus Rashford, whose confidence is radiating right now. Rashford in this form is one of the best left wingers in football, and under Erik ten Hag, it looks like this form is turning into the norm.

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2) Martial FC are enjoying life

The black gloves came out, and that could only mean one thing. Yes, Anthony Martial scored and he could well have had another to add to it. United’s number nine has struggled for fitness this season, but got through 63 minutes today with no issues at all and will go into the fixture against Wolves full of confidence with goals once again under his belt.

3) £60 million for Casemiro was a bargain

When Manchester United splashed the big bucks on Casemiro in the summer. Many raised eyebrows at the fee both for his age and suitability to Erik ten Hag’s system. Those eyebrows have been restored to their natural position and then some, as it’s turned out to be some of the best 60 million United have ever spent. Simply an elite footballer in every single sense.

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Tonight, he again stood head and shoulders above nearly everyone else, and it was his tackle set off United’s attack for Martial’s goal. He topped it off by setting up Fred’s goal with a brilliant interception high up the pitch and then assisting him. Player of the Match.

4) Luke Shaw makes a pretty good centre-back

Absences within the squad saw Erik ten Hag field Luke Shaw as his starting left centre back, a left-footer being a necessity for him. Shaw has only ever played at centre back in a back three, never in a four, so the move looked questionable to some.

But Ten Hag’s decision more than paid its dividends, with Shaw having an exemplary performance out of position. The Dutchman will feel comfortable knowing that if he loses key man Lisandro Martínez again he will have an adequate backup.

5) Business as usual for Raphael Varane

Just nine days ago, Raphaël Varane played deep into extra time in a World Cup final and was forced off after collapsing, seemingly due to pure exhaustion. He had been a key figure for France as they made the final, having only just about made the tournament in the first place.

Naturally, United fans were concerned due to his injury record. But tonight Raphaël Varane was back and played 77 minutes as effortlessly as ever. Defensively, his reading of the game is totally unmatched and on the ball his passing has become much more expansive.

United fans will be praying he remains fit for the second half of the season.