Manchester United’s effort to finish in the top four of the Premier League was strengthened on Sunday as they defeated relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest 2-0.
With goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot, Erik ten Hag’s team successfully capitalized on losses for rivals Newcastle and Tottenham the day before to move up to third in the standings.
This season, the sides have already faced off three times, including in a two-legged League Cup semifinal, with United coming out on top each time.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, who were injured for United’s center defense, were replaced by Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, while Tyrell Malacia was replaced by Dalot.
The visitors, who were also without their leading scorer Marcus Rashford, were forced to make a late substitution after midfielder Marcel Sabitzer sustained an injury during the warm-up. Christian Eriksen took Marcel Sabitzer’s place and made his first start since January suffering an ankle injury.
Forest made four changes despite their nine-game losing streak.
Jadon Sancho had a shot blocked in the first few seconds as United soon got going.
While the hosts had the most of the possession, Steve Cooper’s Forest posed a threat from set pieces.
Bruno Fernandes was stopped by Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas before a VAR review for a possible penalty at the other end after the ball struck Maguire’s arm from a corner.
After Navas blocked a hard drive from Anthony Martial, United seized the lead in the 32nd minute when Antony pushed the ball in.
Before halftime, Dalot almost gave Forest an equalizer due to some careless play, but Taiwo Awoniyi smacked the ball way over.
Just before halftime, Fernandes missed with a header from the middle of the box.
With Fernandes and Eriksen in charge, United maintained their lead throughout the second half.
Fernandes, a player for Portugal, delivered a beautiful curling attempt from the left side of the box that Navas deflected into the crossbar, and Antony just missed the target.
With 20 minutes remaining, Martial had a golden opportunity to increase United’s advantage but headed wide. Next, Forest’s Felipe nodded over from close range.
In the 76th minute, Dalot sprinted into the area to receive a ball from Antony and give United the goal their domination ultimately deserved. It was his first Premier League goal.
– ‘SOLID WIN’ –
After 30 games and the victory, United is now three points ahead of Newcastle in fourth position and six points ahead of Tottenham in fifth.
Ten Hag told the BBC, “Great victory. “Very focused and committed from beginning to end.”
The United manager praised everyone on the field for a “very excellent effort today,” praising Maguire and Lindelof in particular.
He said, “Last week I had nine fit elite defenders, and today I have four.” “We still have three contests to compete in, so we need all of our players. To create a top squad, we need all the players.
With eight games remaining, the Red Devils have eclipsed their Premier League point total from last season as they prepare for this week’s Europa League and FA Cup contests.
After only one season in the English top division, Forest is still in the bottom three and faces a real chance of being relegated to the Championship.