Nottingham Forest 1–0 Manchester United Player Ratings: Elanga’s Goal Bolster Forest’s Top Four Hopes Even Further in Premier League

Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 at the City Ground to well and truly cement their place in the top 4 while also completing the double over the Red Devils for the first time since Brian Clough was their manager.

Nottingham Forest started the game with a 4-2-3-1 and brought in Elanga back into the starting 11. Man United, on the other hand, made four changes from the side that beat Leicester two weeks ago.

The game started as it did in the reverse fixture, with Forest taking the lead within the first 5 minutes of the game. After Manchester United won a corner following a smart save from Selz by Bruno, the clearance fell to Elanga in his half. From thereon, it was a beautiful blend of pace, strength, and trickery as he ran 85 metres, outmuscled three United players, and arrowed an accurate shot toward the bottom right corner to see the net bulge and give the hosts an early lead.

To their credit, however, United did not let their shoulders drop after that early goal. They doubled down on the attack after. Bruno Fernandes had a shot saved by Selz, while Casemiro’s unmarked header went wide off the target. For all the criticism that the Red Devils have faced off late regarding their inability to keep the ball, they were effective in possession and kept creating chances.

Casemiro kept on pinging long passes that found Garnacho and Dalot in space on multiple occasions, but the crosses were either blocked or did not find their intended target. United displayed a neat and patient build-up that saw most of the first-half action concentrated in the Forest half. But the home side’s centre-back pairing of Milenković and Murillo stood tall to repel any danger that came their way.

The latter stages of the first half saw Ola Aina hobble off after what looked like a calf problem. Diogo Dalot saw his header crash off the cross bar, with the follow up by de Ligt blocked by Selz. Danilo was also withdrawn by manager Nuno in what was perceived to be a tactical change for the home team.

United had 69% of the ball, had 10 shots to Forest’s 3, and had more shots on target. Forest, meanwhile, had just the lone shot on target, but that was the difference between both sides as the half-time whistle was blown.

The second half once again saw Man United continue to pile on the shots as they desperately sought to level proceedings. But the Forest defense had answers to almost everything that their visitors threw at them.

The introduction of Harry Maguire late in the game as a striker was a clear sign of United desperately wanting the equaliser, and they thought that they had it. Harry Maguire thought for all intents that he won his side a point, but Murillo ensured that was not the case with his heroic goal-line block securing the three points and the league double over Manchester United. Here are the Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Player Ratings.

Nottingham Forest Player Ratings

GK- Mats Selz- 6.5/10

Carried his good from from the FA Cup into this game. Commanded his box well by claiming the tricky crosses. Made a couple of sharp saves as well.

RB- Ola Aina- 5/10

The Nigerian full-back was having a good game until he was subbed off late in the first half with what looked like a calf injury. Was an able foil for Elanga and defended his flank stoutly.

CB- Nikola Milenković- 6/10

The Serbian had a decent game with his heading and his aerial prowess warding off any danger. With that being said, he let off Casemiro rather easily while defending corners.

LCB- Murillo- 6/10

Another strong performance by the Brazilian. He was strong and physical as he matched Zirkzee stride for stride in a robust battle between the two.

LB- Neco Williams- 5.5/10

He was strong in the couple of clearances that he made. However, Dalot far too much space to run behind him multiple times. Booked in the second half.

CDM- Ryan Yates- 6/10

Was a right pest for the Manchester United players throughout. Won a couple of fouls and got under the skin of his opponents. Shielded his defense with the same gusto.

CDM- Elliott Anderson- 5.5/10

Cool, calm and composed performance as he set the tempo. Was subbed of midway through the second half.

RW- Anthony Elanga- 8/10

The former Man United man was the difference maker with his stunning goal on the night. He was a mix of elegance, skill, strength, and swagger as he showed his former side what they were missing. A goal worthy of winning any game.

CAM- Morgan Gibbs-White- 5.5/10

Was a doubt to start due to a knock in the FA Cup. Did not look fully up to speed physically as the game passed him by on a few occasions.

LW- Danilo- 4.5/10

Did not do much for the time that he was on the pitch. Had a couple of passes to show for before being withdrawn in what was deemed a tactical change.

ST- Taiwo Awoniyi- 7/10

While he did not plug the goalscoring gap like Chris Wood does, boy did he put in a shift and a half. Was an excellent first line of defence, was exceptional with his hold-up play and expertly kept the ball as he waited for options. A complete performance despite not scoring.

Sub- Alex Moreno- 6/10

Defended his flank extremely well after coming on for Aina. Did not let Garnacho have a sniff the entire time he was on the pitch.

Sub- Morato- 5/10

Had a couple of blocks and a shot that was comfortably saved. Not much to write home about thereafter.

Sub- Nico Dominguez- 5/10

Came on midway through the second half and managed to keep the clean sheet intact. Defended well whenever called upon.

Sub- Ibrahim Sangare- N/A

A late sub. Too little time to make an impact.

Sub- Ramon Sosa- N/A

A late sub. Too little time to make an impact.

Manager- Nuno Espirito Santo- 8/10

Another defensively resolute peformance for his side. Saw his team were getting opened up defensively and was bold enough to change shape well before half-time. Nuno has well and truly mended his reputation as a manager with this excellent season at the City Ground.

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Manchester United Player Ratings

GK- Andre Onana- 5/10

Could have and should have done better for the Forest goal with his diving barely helping him gain any ground. Had precious little to do thereafter and did it as well as any other goalkeeper would.

RCB- Leny Yoro- 6/10

Another impressive performance by the young defender. Used his recovery pace to great effect in order to snuff out any danger. Made a goal-saving tackle and a block in quick succession.

CB- Matthijs de Ligt- 5.5/10

Was pulled out of position for the first goal, but improved thereon. Did well in his blocks and clearances.

LCB- Noussair Mazraoui- 5/10

Had a poor first 15 minutes where he was out of position time and time again. Was partly responsible for the goal as well. Improved as the game went on.

RWB- Diogo Dalot- 6/10

Had a header rattle the crossbar. Was a willing runner on his natural right flank as he time and again made space for himself and delivered some teasing crosses into the box. Was strong defensively too.

CM- Casemiro- 6.5/10

Showed glimpses of his all-around play tonight. Had 3 shots on goal, was his usual self in the tackle while also displaying his impressive passing range. Was booked in the second half and was eventually subbed to avoid a potential red.

CM- Manuel Ugarte- 5/10

Another industrious performance in the middle of the park for Ugarte. Pressed well, and won the ball back in promising areas for his side. Subbed off at half-time.

LWB- Patrick Dorgu- 5.5/10

Made a good return from suspension. Made good ground and put in a good amount of crosses. Was quick and strong defensively as well.

RF- Bruno Fernandes- 6/10

Tried everything that he could to drive his team forward. Defended, attacked, and also had a couple of shots saved. Just could not get himself or his team to score tonight.

ST- Joshua Zirkzee- 5.5/10

Was starved of service throughout. Tried to make something out of the rare forays he got the ball but was unable to muster something meaningful out of it.

LF- Alejandro Garnacho- 4/10

The poorest player on the pitch. Nothing went his way. Either he overran the ball, or he saw his crosses and shots blocked. A frustrating night indeed.

Sub- Rasmus Hojlund- 5/10

Suffered the same fate as Zirkzee in the sense that he was also starved of any meaningful service. Did try gamely to keep the game flowing.

Sub- Christian Eriksen- 5/10

Average performance after coming on. Took a yellow for the team after scything down Elanga rather cynically.

Sub- Mason Mount- 5/10

Almost found a shot that was very close to going in. Was a good sight to see him play again after a horrible run of injuries.

Sub- Harry Maguire- 5.5/10

Was brought on as a striker late in the game. Almost won a point for his side but saw his shot blocked on the goal-line.

Manager- Ruben Amorim- 6/10

While the result was a tough one to take for Amorim, it is very evident to see that there is a system and a pattern of play that is evolving. Still a long way to go and a huge summer reckons for the Portuguese manager.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Anthony Elanga

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