Manchester United began their Premier League season with a resounding victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.
Manchester United made four changes from their EFL Cup victory over Burnley.
De Gea took over in goal for Martin Dubravka, while in defence, the injured Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay were replaced by Shaw and Varane. Finally, Antony replaces Garnacho in the starting lineup in the forward line.
Nottingham Forest coach Steve Cooper made three changes from the team that defeated Blackburn in midweek.
Hennessey started in goal for Forest because goalkeeper Dean Henderson could not play against his parent club. There were two more defensive changes, with Lodi and Aurier replacing Toffolo and Williams at full-back.
Manchester United appeared more determined to win from the start of the game. Marcus Rashford”s strike gave the hosts the lead after only 19 minutes of play.
Rashford scored United’s second corner of the game, which was assisted by Christian Eriksen.
As Nottingham Forest looked to mount a comeback, United made things more difficult for them when Martial doubled United’s lead.
A lovely lofted ball from Fernandes set Rashford on his way up the left wing, resulting in a beautiful team goal. He cuts inside before finding Martial on the edge of the box, where his first-time shot squirms into the goal off Hennessey’s palm.
Forest almost equalized in the 42nd minute, but the VAR disallowed the goal for offside.
After a 2-0 first half, the second half began in a somewhat cagey manner as the two sides failed to break each other’s defense.
United’s 2-0 lead held until the 87th minute, when Casemiro set up his countryman, Fred, for United’s third goal of the game.
Manchester United won the game 3-0 after 16 shots, eight of which were on target. United are now fifth in the table with 29 points from 15 games, one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham.