Manchester United down Nottingham Forest after thrilling comeback

Manchester United produced a sensational comeback victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday at Old Trafford, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to secure three points at home against Steve Cooper’s side. The Red Devils left themselves a mountain to climb after conceding two goals in the opening four minutes, but Christian Eriksen and Casemiro brought the hosts back into the contest before a late Bruno Fernandes penalty gave Manchester United their second league win of the season.

Looking for a response from their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, Erik ten Hag’s side got off to a horror start in front of their home support as Nottingham Forest stung the hosts twice in the opening five minutes. Taiwo Awoniyi scythed through the United midfield on a blistering counterattack before wrong-footing Andre Onana to find the back of the net in a seventh consecutive league appearance to put the visitors 1-0 in front.

Two minutes later, Forest doubled their advantage. Morgan Gibbs-White found Wily Boly in a crowded penalty area from his set-play, and the Frenchman redirected his header past an unmoved Onana to give the away side a 2-0 lead.

The Red Devils had to dig deep after their slumberous start, and Christian Eriksen began the comeback on 17 minutes when he converted Marcus Rashford’s cross from close range to halve the deficit. The hosts should have drawn level at 2-2 eight minutes later, only for Casemiro to spurn a golden opportunity with the goal gaping, heading wide from close range.

However, the Brazilian redeemed himself in the second half. Bruno Fernandes caught the Forest defence napping with a quickly-taken free kick and set up Casemiro with a cushioned header to make it 2-2. After losing their two-goal cushion, Forest also went down to ten men as Joe Worrall received his marching orders for hauling down Bruno Fernandes outside the penalty box.

United pushed hard for a winner with the man advantage and eventually found the decisive third goal after Marcus Rashford was clumsily brought down in the box by Danilo. Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the spot, rounding up a captain’s display to complete the United comeback and give the Red Devils a 3-2 lead.

Forest had chances to spring another surprise in the 13 minutes of extra time, but United hung on to their lead to seal a dramatic victory in front of their home support.