Man United Ratings: Eriksen, Onana Shine in a Frustrating Draw
Manchester United battled to a 2-2 draw against a resilient Nottingham Forest side at Old Trafford. While the Red Devils dominated possession and created numerous chances, they were ultimately frustrated by a stubborn Forest defense and a couple of individual errors.
Here’s a look at how the Man United players performed:
Andre Onana (8/10): The new signing continued his impressive start to life at Old Trafford, pulling off a string of crucial saves to keep his side in the game. Onana was particularly impressive in the second half, denying Forest on several occasions with his quick reflexes and sharp decision-making.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7/10): The right-back was a constant threat going forward, delivering dangerous crosses into the box. He also showed his defensive capabilities, winning tackles and covering his ground diligently.
Raphael Varane (7/10): The French defender looked composed and assured at the back, dealing effectively with Forest's attacking threats. His partnership with Lisandro Martinez is growing stronger with each game.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10): The Argentine defender had a solid outing, winning his aerial duels and reading the game well. He was also involved in a couple of questionable moments, but ultimately he did his job well.
Luke Shaw (6/10): The left-back provided good support in attack and defended resolutely when required. He was, however, caught out of position on a few occasions, which led to some dangerous opportunities for Forest.
Casemiro (7/10): The Brazilian midfielder controlled the midfield with his customary authority, breaking up play and distributing the ball with precision. He also showed his commitment to the cause with some crucial tackles and interceptions.
Christian Eriksen (8/10): The Danish playmaker was the architect of much of United's attacking play, dictating the tempo and finding incisive passes. He also showcased his shooting ability, hitting the post with a well-struck free kick.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10): The Portuguese midfielder was involved in several key moments, but his final ball was often lacking. He did, however, create the equalizing goal with a clever through ball for Marcus Rashford.
Antony (6/10): The Brazilian winger was a constant threat down the right flank, using his pace and trickery to create space. He, unfortunately, struggled to make a significant impact in the final third, failing to convert some promising opportunities.
Marcus Rashford (7/10): The England forward scored the equalizer with a cool finish, showcasing his composure and finishing ability. He also showed his dynamism and threat in attack, but he was ultimately denied a winning goal by the woodwork.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10): The young winger brought energy and excitement to the game after coming on as a substitute. He showed glimpses of his potential and was involved in several promising attacks.
Overall, Man United's performance was frustratingly inconsistent. While they dominated possession and created plenty of chances, they lacked the clinical edge required to secure a win. The team's defensive frailties were also exposed, particularly in the early stages of the game.
This draw is a reminder that Man United still have work to do to reach their full potential, but the emergence of players like Onana and the continued brilliance of Eriksen offer optimism for the future.