Manchester United left it late to book their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals as Casemiro stooped low to head them into the last eight.
The game looked to be heading to extra-time when Casemiro popped up to nod in Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick in front of a packed out away end.
It was bitterly disappointing for Nottingham Forest but in a much-improved display for Erik ten Hag and his players, this was vindication for United, even if it wasn’t them at their free-flowing best.
ANDRE ONANA – 7.5
Say it quietly but Andre Onana has really grown the No 1 role since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Made some crucial saves as Forest laid siege on the United goal at the start of the second half.
Andre Onana is growing in stature as Manchester United’s No 1 after a rough start at the club
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Should have had an assist or two to his name in an impressive first half when he picked out Scott McTominay in the box on two occasions. Always a willing runner and is going to see plenty of the ball now there is no recognised left back to use on the other side.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Struggled at left back against Fulham but looked much more composed back in the centre of defence here. Delivered some important blocks on Taiwo Awoniyi. Booked.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6.5
His enormous wages seem to suggest his Manchester United career is winding down to conclusion between now and the end of the season. But more often than not he’s the best defender United have.
SOFYAN AMRABAT – 5
Looks so uncomfortable at left back. Was lucky to see his erroneous back-pass lead to nothing in the 18th minute. United can ill-afford to have him line-up in the same role against Manchester City on Sunday or it could get messy.
Sofyan Amrabat looks uncomfortable at left back in a worry going into the Manchester derby
CASEMIRO – 7
Has looked increasingly ponderous in recent games but this was not among the lowlights. Stooped low to nod in the decisive goal to book an FA Cup quarter-final. It’s remarkable how many goals the Brazilian has scored in a United shirt.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 5.5
Should have scored, plain and simple. Unmarked with a header five yards out, then having one tipped away at the near post and he was in the way when Bruno Fernandes let rip in the second half. Far more effective as a super sub off the bench.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Was booed mercilessly by the home fans from the moment he got his first touch and while he can drift through games with little influence, he often rises to the moment. A brilliant free-kick teed up Casemiro for the big moment.
Bruno Fernandes was the villain among home fans but silenced them with the decisive assist
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
His presence means opposition defenders never quite feel comfortable and that means United are always a threat down whichever wing he is on. Was busy but his decision-making for the final ball left plenty to be desired.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5.5
Guilty of missing the target with two chances he would have buried last season when he finished the campaign with 30 goals. Wanted a penalty in the second half when he was elbowed in the ribs but was never going to get it. Badly needs a goal.
ANTONY – 6.5
Has taken plenty of heat having fallen to fifth choice in that right-wing role but didn’t hide away when given the start here. An encouraging display, even if he faded in the second half before he was subbed.
Manager: ERIK TEN HAG – 6.5
Was bold in dropping Kobbie Mainoo to the bench given he has been United’s brightest midfielder in recent weeks. This was a step up on the struggles against Fulham – and they did squeeze through – but there remains issues aplenty with this team, namely that they lack top quality.
Erik ten Hag was bold in dropping Kobbie Mainoo but was justified in doing so by the victory
SUBS
Amad Diallo (for Antony, 72) – 5.5
Kobbie Mainoo (for Scott McTominay, 90+4)
Jonny Evans (for Sofyan Amrabat, 90+4)
