Manchester United had to shift the team around again to deal with the ongoing injury crisis, and managed to beat Nottingham Forest.
Last season Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest four times in the league and cup, and then once earlier this season.
But the last meeting ended in a 2-1 defeat, and Forest were looking to win against United last night twice in a season for the first time in almost 40 years.
They will have to keep waiting, with Manchester United coming out on top as 1-0 winners, and progressing to the FA Cup sixth round.
Manchester United earn victory
The injury crisis saw Manchester United without key players in defence and attack, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was rested too.
Sofyan Amrabat made his first start of 2024, at left-back, a performance most United fans had not wanted to see him in again. Unfortunately the injury problems are that bad, and another temporary measure was required.
Amrabat delivered a performance to be proud of, showing he can be a valuable contributor to this team if he is just given a chance.
United kept a clean sheet, with Amrabat an integral part of the team’s performance, laying the foundations for Casemiro to head in a late winner from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick.
The victory sets up a winner against Liverpool in the quarter-finals in mid-March.
Sofyan Amrabat praised
Sofayn Amrabat was delighted to be back involved, posting a message after the game on Instagram which read simply, “Next Round.”
He was greeted by a response from former left-back Sergio Reguilon, whose loan was cut short earlier this year. If he had still been here, he probably would have started.
Amad was a second half substitute in the win, and he wrote ‘You are a beast’ in praise of Amrabat’s tireless display, seeing his teammate’s efforts first hand.
It’s unclear what the future holds for Amrabat at Manchester United with his loan deal set to expire at the end of the season.
He looked like a player who was playing for his future. If he performs like this with any other chances he gets, he at least has a chance.
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