Manchester United have been told they were lucky to be given a corner before Casemiro’s goal during their 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Casemiro and Amad both found the net as Manchester United came from behind to draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in a dramatic clash at The City Ground.
The game started brightly, with chances at both ends, but Forest gradually took control of the opening stages. Despite their pressure, it was United who struck first, Casemiro heading home from a corner that left the home fans protesting the decision to award it.
Forest responded after the break, with Morgan Gibbs-White levelling the score early in the second half. Just 39 seconds later, Nicolò Savona fired in from close range to put the hosts ahead.
United pushed back, and Amad produced a brilliant first-time volley ten minutes from time to equalise for Rúben Amorim’s side.
The winger nearly won it late on, but Murillo’s superb goal-line clearance denied him, ensuring the sides shared the points.
United corner vs Forest verdict given
Just before Casemiro netted United’s first of two goals in Nottingham, there was plenty made about the fact that Forest felt the corner leading to the goal should not have been given, as the ball was not over the line.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher explained how United were lucky to get away with one, as the incorrect call was made by giving the corner.
“Well, the assistant’s made a judgment which I feel is — it’s obviously not out,” Gallagher said.
“Why he’s made that judgment, I don’t know, because if the ball does go out and he doesn’t see it, I can understand that, because he’s got two goalposts there, he’s got a goalkeeper, he’s got Savona himself in front of him.
“But he’s made a judgment from 75–80 yards incorrectly. You know, he’s probably thought it’s gone out, but it hasn’t.”
Asked whether he thought it was the referee who made the decision instead of the linesman, Gallagher said: “Yes, I do — because he is the only one that’s in that position to make it. And as I said to you earlier, it’s not ideal, is it? Because he’s got so many things in his way.
“I still go back to the fact, you know, if this is the line, the ball’s over it, and I can’t see — you’re going to forgive me. You’re not going to forgive me for giving something that didn’t happen.”
United shot themselves in the foot vs Forest
Regardless of whether or not United should have been given the corner that led to Forest’s goal, Dyche’s men were still not switched on enough to defend what was a very simple delivery and header from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. They are not blameless.
Overall, it was United who shot themselves in the foot with this game by not being switched on enough in the first five minutes of the second half, which cost them dearly.
United’s first 45 minutes, and particularly when they went ahead, were good, with Amorim’s men not looking like they were going to concede. However, once they were on the back foot and searching for an equaliser, they were not inventive enough with the ball at their feet.
They still had the chances, with Amad having a possible winning goal cleared off the line in added time, but ultimately the game would have been won by Amorim’s Reds if they had maximised their quality.
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