(Football news) Marcus Rashford continued his fantastic form, scoring once and providing an assist as Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Due to a virus, Raphael Varane was the only available centre back in the squad which meant that Luke Shaw partnered alongside him. It was the Red Devils’ first league game since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure but it didn’t appear that they missed him at all as Rashford scored the opening goal from Christian Eriksen’s clever corner in the 19th minute and provided the assist for Martial’s goal just three minutes later.
Shortly before half-time, Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates saw his goal ruled out for offside by the VAR but apart from that, the visitors didn’t test the Manchester United backline at all. To make matters worse, Fred scored the third goal of the match three minutes from time when Casemiro stole possession high up the pitch and provided the assist to his countryman. The result meant that Manchester United remained in fifth place in the Premier League, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game more.
“We conceded no goals, kept a clean sheet. Happy with that because it is always the base to compete. We definitely could have scored more goals. We had some great attacks, lots of movement. When you have one on one with the keeper, you have to score more goals.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
“It was not only Rashford but I’m really happy with his performance once again. He is in a really good pattern and if he keeps with this pattern and spirit, it is good for us and good for him. We are looking for offensive players. We are looking for a striker. We are always in the market, but it has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria. We do what we can to bring in the players we need.”
“I think the main thing is that I’m enjoying myself and I’m focused and happy. I’m hoping that can carry on. I want to have a really good season this year and hopefully win a trophy with the club. That’s the main aim. It’s an ambition that we’ve had for a while. When I first came into the team we had a good start, we won three or four trophies in the first couple of years.
Marcus Rashford
“Since then we were in a difficult patch but the only way to come out of it is to keep working hard and we have to keep listening to the manager and the staff, play the football he wants to play and win games. If we keep improving we’ll be in and around those opportunities. I think everyone enjoys playing here [at Old Trafford], it’s probably one of the best stadiums in the world. It’s got brilliant fans and when we’re playing well it’s a great feeling, great atmosphere. There’s not much you can compare to it.”
“It was always going to be really tough here tonight and we knew the game was going to look as it did in terms of them having territory and possession. The goals are a killer in terms of a set piece where some players have clearly not stuck to their responsibilities. And then we’re in a half-decent position in United’s box, but then to give up the space and the territory we did. I wouldn’t say we gave up the goal because they have to work for it, but it’s frustrating with the goals.
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper
“I just felt we could’ve backed ourselves a bit more in the game. We got in between the lines two or three times in the first half but didn’t make the most of it. In the end you do have to make the most of those situations at this level. I’m a big believer in looking at the process of the performance. I was more frustrated at times with a lack of quality at times at the top end of the pitch, a lack of belief in decision making and taking risks and backing ourselves.”
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