Player Ratings: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester United have beaten Nottingham Forest 2-0 away from home in the Premier League thanks to goals from Antony and Dalot.
The game saw Manchester United leapfrog Newcastle United into 3rd after their loss to Aston Villa on Saturday. United created many chances in the whole game and really should’ve won by a heavier scoreline. 3-time Champions League winner Keylor Navas kept Forest in the game until Diogo Dalot put the game to bed. The result means that United have a little bit of a cushion in the race for top four especially as the two contenders Newcastle and Tottenham play each other next weekend. There is still a job to do in terms of securing Champions League qualification with games against Tottenham and Brighton coming up in the league but todays result will help build confidence especially considering the injury crisis United are currently facing.
Here’s a rundown on how the players performed in the game with each player receiving a rating out of 10.
Goalkeeper and Defence
David De Gea: 7
De Gea was mostly great today, making good saves when required and decent distribution and claiming of crosses. The clean sheet now puts De Gea in the front running for the Golden Glove.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7
Wan Bissaka had a good game, was great defensively and attacking he made some solid driving runs and linked up well with Antony on the right hand side.
Harry Maguire: 6
A nervy performance from the United captain. Faced a bit of trouble from Awoniyi and was a bit shaky at the back but overall was able to come out of the game with a clean sheet.
Victor Lindelof: 7.5
A great performance from Lindelof today, he was solid defensively, putting in important tackles and clearances. He was good on the ball too and often made driving runs further up the field helping to push on the attack.
Diogo Dalot: 7
Dalot slotted in at left back today instead of his usual position at right back but put in a shift and his attacking efforts were rewarded with a goal after a great pass by Antony and Dalot pulled off a tidy finish to seal the 3 points.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen: 7.5
Alongside Bruno Eriksen helped United take control of the midfield, he dictated the tempo and helped make sure United maintained possession and create chances.
Casemiro: 6
A largely anonymous game from Casemiro, could be chalked down to it being his first domestic game since suspension. Had some good moments here and there but overall disappointing.
Bruno Fernandes: 8
Bruno continues his much-improved all-round performances this season, he created the most chances in the game and was instrumental to the waves of sustained pressure than United piled on to Nottingham Forest. One of his best games this year.
Attack
Antony: 8.5
This is probably Antony’s best game in a United shirt. He was direct, not afraid to take on his defender, made piercing, incisive runs with the ball and was by far United’s most lively player. He came away from the game with a goal and an assist.
Anthony Martial: 7.5
Another great performance from Martial, continues to show how important he is to the way Ten Hag wants to play football. Could’ve taken his headed chance a little better just before he came off as he should’ve scored but overall, a good game.
Jadon Sancho: 6
Sancho provided an outlet on the left-hand side but his lack of striking instinct and sometimes lackadaisical passing and runs made his performance a little frustrating.
Substitutes
Fred: 6
Wout Weghorst: 5
