Player Ratings: Nottingham Forest 1 – 0 Manchester United

Anthony Elanga’s early goal in the 5th minute was enough to seal a defeat for Manchester United to root them further into mid-table. The Red Devils had the lion’s share of possession but struggled to create big chances against a drilled Forest defence.

Here is how each player performed with a rating out of 10:

Goalkeeper & defence

André Onana: 5

Had very little to do but one of the only shots he faced was Elanga’s goal. It was a well-placed shot but maybe could have been better positionally.

Matthjis de Ligt: 6

Looked strong and lead the defensive line well. Made it hard for Forest when they weren’t on the counterattack.

Leny Yoro: 6

An encouraging performance from the young player who was assured and confident. Played some effective long balls out to the wing to kick-start attacks.

Noussair Mazraoui: 5

Should have been more aggressive to halt Elanga’s counterattacking run, if he’d have made an intervention it would have changed the whole game.

Midfield

Diogo Dalot: 6

Probably the better of the two full-backs, managing to get forward and put crosses into the box.

Casemiro: 6

Won the ball back well and held his position but was admittedly too slow in recycling the ball out to the wings. His switches of play slowed down attacks with wingbacks having to halt their runs when receiving balls from the Brazilian. He had a few chances from corners, where he maybe should have done better. There were boos from the United fans when he was brought off for Christian Eriksen.

Manuel Ugarte: 5

Roamed from position too much but didn’t offer anything when building attacks, meaning he was absent from midfield on many instances when Forest went on the counterattack. Rightly brought off at half time to offer more attacking options.

Patrick Dorgu: 5

He was eager to get forward and often found himself in bags of space, but he reverted to inverting and his passing was sloppy as he struggled to create much on his return to the side.

Attack

Bruno Fernandes: 5

The skipper was marked heavily by Ryan Yates which limited his creativity. Got a few long shots off, but none really challenged the Forest keeper. Brought back into the 8 position in the second half, where he also struggled to make an impact.

Alejandro Garnacho: 4

Showed all the same problems that fans have become so frustrated by. Very rarely looked up to pass the ball, mostly opting to shoot from wide or from acute angles or to simply dribble into a defender. Offered very little real substance and should have been brought off.

Joshua Zirkzee: 5

Completely ineffective. Played as a striker as well as in the supportive 10 role but was unable to make any impact in either position.

Substitutes