Manchester United’s winning run in the Premier League came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest on a Saturday afternoon. Despite a standout performance from Casemiro, the afternoon was marred by the struggles of Diogo Dalot.
Manager Ruben Amorim selected an unchanged starting XI for the first time in the league this season.
Early chances fell to Benjamin Sesko and Dan Ndoye, but it was veteran midfielder Casemiro who broke the deadlock, powerfully heading in a cross from a Bruno Fernandes corner kick to give United the advantage.
After the half-time interval, Forest responded forcefully. Morgan Gibbs-White restored parity by heading in at the back post following an exceptional delivery from Ryan Yates. Their lead was short-lived, as Nicolo Savona capitalised on some lapse defending to poke home from close range for Forest’s second.
United pressed for an equaliser; Bruno Fernandes saw a powerful low shot crash off the post, while at the other end, Igor Jesus narrowly missed extending Forest’s lead.
The pressure finally paid off when substitute Amad Diallo scored a magnificent volley from the edge of the penalty area, securing a point for his side. A draw was considered a fair outcome given the balance of play.
Manchester United Player Ratings
1. Senne Lammens – 6
The goalkeeper delivered a composed performance, making a few routine stops and generally looking assured. He could not realistically be faulted for either of the goals conceded.
2. Leny Yoro – 5
He handled the physical demands of the game adequately and exhibited calm distribution with the ball at his feet. Like the keeper, he was not directly responsible for the two Forest goals.
3. Matthijs De Ligt – 6
While he had shown significant power and presence in the heart of the defence, he carries some culpability for the second goal and should have executed a better header in the build-up.
4. Luke Shaw – 7
A solid display at the back was highlighted by a crucial early block on a shot from Igor Jesus. His excellent individual defensive effort was unfortunately let down by the overall team performance.
5. Amad Diallo – 7
He was dangerous on the flank, showing good interplay with Mbeumo and forcing a save with a curled effort. However, he was too easily bypassed by Gibbs-White leading to the first Forest goal. A stunning volley from the edge of the box redeemed his few sloppy moments.
6. Casemiro – 8
Undeniably the team’s most vital player at the moment, his presence brings substantial security to the midfield. He netted a superb headed goal and kept the attack alive with a knockdown header that directly led to Amad’s equalizer.
7. Bruno Fernandes – 6
He provided a perfect corner kick assist for Casemiro’s opener. However, he struggled to control the midfield tempo as United began to lose their grip on the match. He did come close to scoring with a strong shot that hit the woodwork.
8. Diogo Dalot – 3
His fit at left wing-back remains uncomfortable. He displayed consistently poor defensive positioning throughout the fixture and was unfortunately beaten twice in the phases of play leading to both Forest goals, proving costly for the team.
9. Bryan Mbeumo – 7
He stood out as the most effective forward for United, creating several quality opportunities and looking a constant threat whenever he was in possession.
10. Matheus Cunha – 5
He put in a battling shift and was willing to engage in the necessary hard work for the team. He was, however, less influential than Mbeumo in terms of direct attacking output.
11. Benjamin Sesko – 5
He posed a threat in the final third and was involved in good link-up play, bringing others into the attack. Despite having multiple chances fall his way, his finishing should have been more clinical.
13. Noussair Mazraoui – 5
His arrival from the substitutes’ bench was a positive one, helping United regain a measure of control in the game. He received a yellow card during his time on the pitch.