Player ratings

Manchester United player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Bruno Fernandes has still got it! Portuguese leads the fightback as Red Devils win despite disastrous start

Richard Martin
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GFX Info Bruno Fernandes Andre Onana Erik ten Hag Manchester United
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The Portuguese showed leadership when his team were down in the dumps and helped inspire them to victory

Manchester United made an utterly shambolic start against Nottingham Forest but an inspirational Bruno Fernandes pulled them out of the quagmire and towards a 3-2 win. The Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down after less than four minutes as Taiwo Awoniyi was given the freedom of the city of Manchester and then Willy Boly scored with an accidental header after abysmal marking from a free-kick.

A close-range Christian Eriksen finish gave United hope and they were much better after the break, with Casemiro - assisted by Fernandes - levelling before Forest captain Joe Worrall was sent off for hauling down the Portuguese.

A lively Marcus Rashford won a penalty, which Fernandes confidently converted to give United the lead, but there were still some nervy moments in the 11 minutes of stoppage time. A much-needed win but there is still a lot of work to do.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Old Trafford.

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Andre Onana (4/10):

    A very poor display. What was he doing for the first goal? He bottled coming out of the area to block Awoniyi then sat down before the striker had taken his shot. Motionless for Boly's goal but made amends by clawing away a shot from the defender.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

    Partly at fault for the second goal but otherwise did fine. Made some important blocks and helped drive United on.

    Raphael Varane (6/10):

    Helped United get a grip on the game and made a crucial tackle on Morgan Gibbs-White to prevent a third goal. Substituted at half-time.

    Lisandro Martinez (4/10):

    Struggled a lot in the first half, looking unconvincing for the third game in a row.

    Diogo Dalot (4/10):

    Pretty poor at left-back which does not bode well for next week's trip to Arsenal as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are likely to still be out.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

    Led the way back from the abyss, dominating all areas of midfield. Thrust the team forward and was inventive, especially for Casemiro's goal. Completed the comeback with an assured penalty.

    Casemiro (5/10):

    Very poor in the first half, failing to jump for Boly's goal and showing no leadership in midfield for the first. Stepped up after the break and equalised.

    Christian Eriksen (7/10):

    Gave United more balance and invention than Mason Mount. Got the comeback going with his goal.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Antony (7/10):

    Worked very hard defensively and caused Forest a lot of problems in attack. Forced Turner into good saves in either half and looked a real threat. Much improved.

    Anthony Martial (5/10):

    Lacked sharpness and was often outmuscled off the ball. But at least he didn't get injured.

    Marcus Rashford (7/10):

    Looked much more dangerous on the left and set up Eriksen's goal with an incisive run. Played an excellent through ball for Casemiro's equaliser, then earned the decisive penalty.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Victor Lindelof (6/10):

    Replaced Varane at half-time and improved United in defence.

    Jadon Sancho (6/10):

    Gave the team more energy than Martial could provide but didn't do anything tangible.

    Scott McTominay (N/A):

    Only introduced for the final five minutes.

    Erik ten Hag (5/10):

    Must take some blame for the horrendous start. His substitutions, however, helped win the game.