Man Utd defeated Nottingham Forest in their first Premier League game in 44 days, and here’s how the players fared.
United were excellent
David de Gea
Made an unorthodox save with his chest in the first-half. Made a key double save in the 71st minute. 7
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Another decent performance on his second successive start. Supported the forwards but often lacked the end product. 6
Raphael Varane
Earned applause from Erik ten Hag in the third minute for a recovery run and intervened more than once inside his own third. A classy return nine days after the World Cup final. 8
Luke Shaw
Slotted in at centre-back – where he had played before – but for the first time in an axis. Did not look out of place. 7
Tyrell Malacia
Unfortunate not to score early on with a drive that was deflected onto the upright. Became careless early in the second-half. 6
Casemiro
Back in midfield, he was at the back to turn defence into the attack that Anthony Martial scored from. Another fine performance. 8
Christian Eriksen
Measured his corner perfectly for Marcus Rashford to score the breakthrough but not a vintage performance against not the most taxing of opponents. 6
Antony
Failed to reacclimatise to the Premier League and was wasteful with the ball time and again. Squandered an easy chance to score in the 56th minute. 4
Bruno Fernandes
Quietly effective, sliding into tackles and setting an authoritative temp. Put one on a plate for Antony and then his namesake Martial. 7
Marcus Rashford
Took his goal magnificently and selflessly set up Martial to score. His body language is as positive as some of his pieces of play. Could have had another goal. 8
Anthony Martial
Scored rather fortuitously when Wayne Hennessey should have kept out his shot. Caught on his heels too often when United were in the final third. 6
Subs
Donny van de Beek
A bright performance off the bench. 7
Alejandro Garnacho
Major improvement on his start against Burnley. 7
Harry Maguire
First appearance back after the World Cup. 6
Fred
Scored coolly. 7
Anthony Elanga
Late cameo. N/A
Manager
Made some bold calls in starting Varane and Shaw together but the pair were solid and the attacking quartet should have scored more goals. 7
source: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/
