Manchester United edged Nottingham Forest 3-2 in a thrilling Premier League encounter at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the midfield to secure three vital points in the title race.
Manchester United came into the match sitting third in the Premier League with 65 points from 36 games. Nottingham Forest occupied 16th place with 43 points, desperate for points to secure their top-flight status. United's recent form showed mixed results with a loss sandwiched between three wins. Forest arrived at Old Trafford seeking an upset against the home side.
The match exploded into life from the opening moments. Luke Shaw fired United ahead in just the fifth minute with a clinical finish that caught Forest's defense off guard. Shaw's early strike set the tone for an attacking display from the hosts.
United dominated possession in the first half, controlling 49 percent of the ball and creating numerous chances. The hosts fired 27 total shots throughout the match, with 20 coming from inside the box. Despite their dominance, United could not extend their lead before the interval. Forest's goalkeeper made crucial saves to keep the score at 1-0.
The second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Morato leveled the match in the 53rd minute with a well-taken goal that energized Forest's comeback bid. Just two minutes later, Matheus Cunha restored United's lead with a composed finish in the 55th minute.
Forest refused to surrender. Morgan Gibbs-White pulled another goal back in the 78th minute to make it 3-2. The visitors pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, but United held firm. Brayden Mbeumo had sealed the victory with a goal in the 76th minute, giving United breathing room.
Elliot Anderson earned a 9.0 rating for Forest, providing two assists despite his team's defeat. Bruno Fernandes controlled proceedings for United with a rating of 8.5, creating seven key passes. Cunha's goal-scoring contribution earned him an 8.3 rating from the hosts.
United's expected goals figure stood at 3.77 compared to Forest's 1.75, reflecting the home side's superior chance creation. The visitors managed only four shots on target against United's seven. Forest completed 375 accurate passes from 444 attempts, showing decent possession quality despite the loss.
The result lifts Manchester United's title credentials as they push toward the season's conclusion. Forest's loss leaves them vulnerable in their fight against relegation, though they remain competitive in the lower reaches of the table. This victory demonstrates United's ability to overcome challenges and convert chances when it matters most.
