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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Premier League: Comeback triumph for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag highlights Fernandes’ inspirational qualities as a captain in the build-up to the match and the Portuguese led from the front as the hosts chased a winner

Reuters Manchester Published 27.08.23, 09:50 AM
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (right) volleys in Manchester United’s equaliser past Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner during the English Premier League match at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (right) volleys in Manchester United’s equaliser past Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner during the English Premier League match at Old Trafford on Saturday. Getty Images

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes' penalty kick secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory as Erik ten Hag's men survived a scare against 10-man Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.

For the first time in Premier League history, United found themselves two goals behind inside four minutes after an abysmal start to the game led to strikes from Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly.

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But the Red Devils rallied as Christian Eriksen pulled one back from a Marcus Rashford cross. Casemiro wasted a glorious chance to level by somehow heading wide of an open net before the break, but the Brazilian made amends when he bundled home Fernandes' header across goal after an inspired Marcus Rashford pass.

United manager Ten Hag had highlighted Fernandes' inspirational qualities as a captain in the build-up to the match and the Portuguese led from the front as the hosts chased a winner.

Forest skipper Joe Worrall was red-carded for bringing Fernandes down on the edge of the area midway through the second period, and though United could not make the most of the free-kick that followed, the Portuguese kept his nerve to drive home the winner from the spot 14 minutes from time after Danilo had tripped Rashford.

United will be delighted to emerge with three points, even if they didn't ease any concerns about their squad.

Victory on road

James Maddison opened his account for Tottenham Hotspur with the first goal in his side's impressive 2-0 victory at Bournemouth as the visitors maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

The England midfielder, signed from relegated Leicester City, was in scintillating form again for his new club, scoring from close range in the 17th minute and being at the heart of most of Tottenham's best work.

Bournemouth threatened to get back in the game in the second half, but Dejan Kulusevski doubled Tottenham's lead just past the hour with a neat finish following a slick build-up.

Pat for Sterling

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino heaped praise on Raheem Sterling and said the England forward deserved "full credit" for returning to form after his dazzling two-goal display in Friday's 3-0 win over Luton Town.

"His commitment in the way he wants to contribute with the team, with his work ethic and quality, he deserves the full credit for his performance," Pochettino told reporters. "I'm so pleased for him."

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