Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham Forest, two 7/10s good but 4/10 star haunted by the past in loss

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Manchester United were kept at bay by a stout Nottingham Forest as they lost 1-0 away from home to restart their Premier League campaign with a whimper.

The game started in the most predictable fashion as a Man Utd corner in the fifth minute was turned into a Forest goal by none other than Anthony Elanga, a script any fan would have guessed.

Ruben Amorim’s men did not lie down and accept the early punch as they played with purpose but didn’t land a punch of their own either as they went at half-time trailing by a goal.

Forest were happy to keep that trend up as they ceded possession and challenged United to break them which they couldn’t despite bossing territory and possession.

1-0 is how the game would end despite United banging on the door but unable to push through a resolute Forest defence.

Here’s how the players rated-

Andre Onana – 6

Couldn’t have done much for the goal. More assured in passing.

Noussair Mazraoui – 4

Struggled against Elanga’s raw pace and endless running as he was dragged out wide and skinned on the ball repeatedly. United’s present haunted by the club’s past.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6.5

Secure while defending his box, not so much when running towards the goal.

Leny Yoro – 7

Confident with the ball and Forest’s goal could have been avoided if he was playing on the left.

Diogo Dalot – 6

Crossed with more regularity as Amorim’s coaching has started to pay dividends. Not very accurate though.

Patrick Dorgu – 6

Only slightly less culpable for struggling against Elanga than Mazraoui. Offered an outlet in attack.

Manuel Ugarte – 6.5

Did his usual sweeping up job well with aggressive tackling and ball-winning. Sacrificed at half-time for attacking strength.

Casemiro – 6

Did well as Forest sat back and allowed him time on the ball. Came off after he looked close to being sent off.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

Early shot stung the palms of Forest’s goalkeeper and remained a threat throughout.

Alejandro Garnacho – 5

Kept shooting against Forest’s deep block. Needs to add more poise to his game.

Joshua Zirkzee – 5

Forest held off but immediately pressed when he had the ball. Looked rattled by the intensity.

Substitutes

Rasmus Hojlund – 6.5

Played with confidence and drove forward with purpose but Forest were stout.

Christian Eriksen – 6

Came on to help with ball progression as Forest ceded possession but couldn’t make much of a difference.

Mason Mount – 6.5

Almost scored after coming on with a shot from outside the box. Looked good.

Harry Maguire – 6

Emergency striker summed up United’s attacking woes. Fluffed two big chances with the finish of a defender.