Man. United survive Forest scare in explosive five-goal Old Trafford thriller

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Manchester United produced a thrilling performance at Old Trafford to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2 on Sunday in a dramatic Premier League encounter filled with late goals, VAR drama and relentless attacking football.

United made the perfect start when Luke Shaw reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box in the fifth minute, firing low into the net to hand the hosts an early lead.

The home side continued to dominate large spells of the first half, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating attacks from midfield while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo constantly threatened the Forest defence. Mbeumo came close midway through the half after smashing a powerful effort against the post.

Nottingham Forest, however, refused to back down and created dangerous moments of their own through Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.

The visitors eventually found their equaliser early in the second half when defender Morato burst into the box to convert Elliot Anderson’s cross from close range. The goal briefly sparked controversy as VAR checked the build-up before allowing it to stand.

Manchester United responded almost immediately.

Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead in the 55th minute after reacting sharply to a rebound inside the penalty area and slotting into the bottom corner.

The hosts extended their advantage in the 76th minute when Fernandes delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Mbeumo, who showed determination and composure to finish clinically and make it 3-1.

Forest mounted a tense late fightback as Morgan Gibbs-White scored in the 78th minute to reduce the deficit and set up a nervy finish for the home side.

The closing stages saw United come under intense pressure, with Taiwo Awoniyi missing a late opportunity to equalise for Forest before Joshua Zirkzee and Diogo Dalot both went close at the other end. Dalot struck the post deep into stoppage time as United searched for a fourth goal.