Manchester United ease past Nottingham Forest to go third on EPL table

By Agencies

The City Ground – Manchester United eased to a comfortable victory at Nottingham Forest on Sunday to take another decisive step towards a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The excellent Antony notched his first league goal since October on a dominant afternoon for Erik ten Hag’s men, who wrapped up all three points courtesy of Diogo Dalot’s first league goal for the club on his 100th appearance.

A third consecutive league win takes United above Newcastle into third place and opens up a six-point gap to fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played one game more. The Red Devils achieved their fourth win of the season over Forest at the City Ground despite a growing absentee list that now includes Marcel Sabitzer, who was forced out of the warm-up with a groin injury and replaced by Christian Eriksen. They have already exceeded their points tally from the whole of last season.

For Forest, a 10th consecutive winless game keeps them in the relegation zone and piles more pressure on under-fire boss Steve Cooper.

Diogo Dalot reaction

Here’s Diogo Dalot speaking to the BBC after his first Premier League goal on his 100th United appearance…

“It’s a happy day for me, to play for this club is always a pleasure. We showed personality and character today, we showed composure and controlled the game.

“I was fortunate enough to play left-back for a long time in Milan on loan, it was not new for me. The manager knows I am happy to help the team, I just tried to give my best.

“It was a release of emotions, more than the goal it was the moment of the goal, we needed it to be more comfortable. 1-0 up with 10 minutes to go, it’s going to be a war, so it came at the right moment.

“We have a big week ahead, two decisive games, we want to be in position to fight for trophies. Now we have a chance to get close to a final, and to get to a final. Hopefully we win both games.”