Manchester United put three goals into the Nottingham Forest net on Tuesday. It continues a run dating back to six games of United’s league dominance against the Tricky Trees.
Of course, this is the first time Forest has played Manchester United in any competition since 1999, the last time the team played in the Premier League. However, looking back at the last six games between the two in the league after Tuesday, there is no contest. In those six games, Manchester United conceded two goals to Nottingham Forest. Manchester United scored 27.
This result, 3-0 at the end, has more consequences in the modern league than in the historic rivalry between Forest and United. For the hosts, United now trail fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur by just one point. Also, Erik ten Hag’s side have a game to go over Spurs and a four-point cushion over their nearest rival Liverpool. For Nottingham Forest, the loss mars what was a strong 2022. The club was promoted. However, he looks among the favorites to sink back into the Championship. The forest is one point off the bottom of the table, even if it is one point away from safety.
Marcus Rashford leads United to victory over Nottingham Forest
The difference-maker in this game was Marcus Rashford, who continued his dazzling form with a top-flight goal and assist on the day. His first goal in the 19th minute was the epitome of set-piece perfection. A corner kick placed 14 yards from the goal on the ground saw Rashford lead his defender to the ball. He then slotted the ball into the top left corner of the goal past a defenseless Wayne Hennessey.
The goal is Rashford’s team-leading fifth in the Premier League this season. Even if that may seem like a small total, four of those five are game-winners in the end. The only one who does not come from his double against Arsenal.
Rashford provided the playmaking ability on United’s second goal with a great run before setting up Anthony Martial. Wayne Hennessey will want to get the try back, as he bounced off his hands and into the net.
Forest thought he had a route back into the game when Ryan Yates found the back of the net. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the move was ruled offside when the ball bounced off Willy Boly’s knee on the tackle.
Manchester United cut off any chance of a comeback for Nottingham Forest in the second half. Then, with time running out, Casemiro regained possession and placed Fred in goal. The Brazilian connection led to United’s third goal of the game.
the turn of the year
The Premier League has not reached its halfway point this season. Still, the ends at either end of the table continue to drift apart. Nottingham Forest have another game that may lead to problems when they take on Chelsea next weekend. The ensuing encounter, against Southampton, is huge for the permutations at the bottom of the table.
For United, they need to continue to get these results against inferior teams to keep pace with the top squads. Newcastle United are showing no signs of slowing down, even if the club is surprising a number of people with its performances this campaign. While Manchester City and Arsenal look a class above the rest, United are still in control of a top four finish under a first-year head coach. This is despite controversies including the possible sale of the club and the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
United are in action next against Wolves, another team in the relegation zone, on New Year’s Eve.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
