Man United 3-2 Nottingham Forest: Red Devils survive Awoniyi masterclass to claim comeback victory

Man United 3-2 Nottingham Forest: Red Devils survive Awoniyi masterclass to claim comeback victory

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 17:02 - 26.08.2023

Manchester United came back from two goals down to win 3-2 against a spirited Nottingham Forest side at Old Trafford.

Manchester United needed a win and got one the hard way, coming back from two goals down to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford.

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How it happened

Nottingham shocked the home crowd inside the opening two minutes, as the away side broke loose after United wasted a corner opportunity.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi, ran the length of the field, brushing off a challenge from Marcus Rashford before sliding it past Andre Onana in the United goal.

Bad turned to worse for the hosts as Willy Boly headed home  second to leave Old Trafford stunned.

Two goals down, Erik ten Hag’s men finally woke up and began to dominate the game as they went in search of a quick reply. 

They got just that beyond the quarter-hour mark as Marcus Rashford, back on the left wing, showed his pace and power, driving towards the byline and cutting the ball into the box for Christian Eriksen to flick in.

Ten Hag would have wanted his side to get off to a fast start in the second half, and the Dutchman got exactly that as Rashford superbly picked out Bruno Fernandes with a ball into the box, and the United captain laid the ball for Casemiro to fire home and make up for his earlier miss by grabbing the equaliser. 

The game turned into an end-to-end affair with both sides looking dangerous on the counter, but the visitors’ afternoon took a sour turn as Joe Worrall was shown a red card for bringing Fernandes down after the Portugal international was through on goal.

 Minutes later United were given a chance to complete the comeback after Rashford was brought down in the box by Danilo, and Fernandes made no mistake from the penalty spot to complete a phenomenal fightback.

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