Fortunately, the rest of the game was one-way traffic, with United rallying from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.
It was a determined and character-filled triumph, with United’s big names stepping up.
Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes all scored, and Marcus Rashford won a penalty and assisted.
Manchester United’s two players praised
Garth Crooks, a BBC Sport analyst, chose two Manchester United players for his ‘team of the week’ piece.
Crooks chose Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, with Manchester United one of just two teams from which he chose two or more players.
He lauded Fernandes for his ability to step up when his team needed him, saying, “He always looks comfortable in the big moments, and that’s what makes him a success at United.”
He also praised Rashford’s role without scoring, saying he was impressed that he could have an impact without scoring.
Manchester United has failed to persuade me.
Despite acknowledging the individual achievements, Crooks stated unequivocally that he was not impressed by Manchester United as a team.
It’s a sentiment shared by supporters who have been unimpressed by the season’s start.
“Boss Erik ten Hag can talk all he wants about his team displaying character, calmness, and composure to get back into this game against Forest, but the truth is United have once again escaped with a result,” he stated. Other teams will not be so kind.”