Manchester United moved to within a point of the top four in the Premier League after defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Premier League
Result: Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Date: 27 December 2022
Venue: Old Trafford
The Red Devils were without Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay through illness, although Raphael Varane did return while Luke Shaw was drafted alongside the Frenchman.
The hosts went close to pulling ahead after just five minutes when Marcus Rashford's shot deflected into the path of Tyrell Malacia, who saw his strike pushed onto the upright.
After spells of domination, United got the breakthrough on 19 minutes from a well-worked corner routine that saw Christian Eriksen's low cross find the un-marked Rashford, who fired home from close range.
The lead was doubled two minutes later as Rashford turned provider and was set free down the left before picking out Anthony Martial, who unleashed a low strike that Wayne Hennessey could only tip into the back of the net.
Forest did manage to register an effort on target in the 31st minutes when Ryan Yates' stinging effort from distance was palmed away by goalkeeper David de Gea.
Forest had the ball in the back of the net shortly before the halftime break, the goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee for an offside on Willy Boly, who got the last touch.
United carried that momentum into the second half and should have had a third goal ten minutes in when Bruno Fernandes played in Antony, who fired straight at Hennessey in a one-on-one situation.
That proved to be Anthony's final involvement as he made way for Donny van de Beek, who carved out a chance for Rashford in the 67th minute but the striker was denied by Hennessey.
De Gea was called into action soon after as the United shot-stopper showed good reflexes to keep out Brenan Johnson's strike from close-range.
United wrapped up the win with four minutes to go as Casemiro did well to intercept the ball and immediately played in substitute Fred, who fired into the far corner with a first-time finish.
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