Manchester United

Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Brilliant Bruno Fernandes leads the way as Antony makes a point with goal and assist

Richard Martin
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Bruno Fernandes Manchester United 2022-23
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Erik ten Hag's side dominated at the City Ground as they ran 2-0 winners to move themselves back up to third in the Premier League table

Antony grabbed his first Premier League goal in six months and his first assist in the English top-flight to lead Manchester United to a much-needed away victory at Nottingham Forest.

Given their shaky away form and Forest's knack for getting results against top sides at home this season, this was far from an easy fixture for Erik ten Hag's side, especially considering their long injury list.

The manager was given another headache moments before kick off when Marcel Sabitzer picked up an injury in the warm-up, but Christian Eriksen produced a classy display in his place.

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But Bruno Fernandes was United's real star - he ran the show in attack and was desperately unlucky not to score, hammering the bar after cutting in from the left.

GOAL rates United's players from the City Ground...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    David de Gea (6/10):

    Had very few saves to make and only had one wobble with his kicking.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):

    Another solid performance defensively. He focused on shackling Forest, leaving Dalot to get forward.

    Harry Maguire (4/10):

    Very shaky. Booked in the third minute, survived Forest appeals for a handball and almost scored another own goal, knocking a ball from a corner against the post. Taunted by Forest fans.

    Victor Lindelof (8/10):

    A class act. Was the calmness and confidence personified on the ball, in contrast to Maguire. Had big shoes to fill in coming in for Lisandro Martinez but did himself proud.

    Diogo Dalot (7/10):

    Incisive and ambitious in attack and took his goal well, controlling Antony's pass perfectly before beating Navas with style. A bit suspect at the back and fortunate Awoniyi did not punish his sloppy pass.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

    Was back to his marauding best in attack after having to play deeper in Casemiro's absence. Really deserved a goal, hitting the bar and being denied by a fine save by Keylor Navas.

    Casemiro (7/10):

    Not as dominant as he can be but improved in the second half and put himself about at both ends of the pitch.

    Christian Eriksen (7/10):

    His passing was magnificent in the second half. Very impressive, especially considering he only learned he was playing minutes before kick-off after Sabitzer's injury.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Antony (9/10):

    Was very dangerous and finally scored again in the Premier League. Unlucky not to strike again in second half but made amends with dream assist for Dalot.

    Anthony Martial (7/10):

    Good hold up play from deep and his shot was too hot for Navas to handle, allowing Antony to score. Should have buried his free header just before being taken off.

    Jadon Sancho (4/10):

    Offered almost nothing all game. Was too indecisive on the ball and too scared to take players on. How long can this go on before he gets dropped?

  5. Subs & Manager

    Wout Weghorst (6/10):

    Worked hard but offered none of the threat or poise that Martial did. Booked in added time.

    Fred (6/10):

    Enthusiastic but made a couple of sloppy passes.

    Erik ten Hag (7/10):

    Had so many injuries to deal with but picked a team suited for the occasion and earned a crucial three points.