Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest: Bruno Fernandes grabs winner as Erik ten Hag’s side pull off comeback

Manchester United hit back from trailing 2-0 in the first four minutes to complete a rousing 3-2 Premier League win over 10-man Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

Having lost 2-0 at Tottenham last weekend, Old Trafford was stunned as Taiwo Awoniyi – who scored in a club record seventh straight Premier League game – ran from his own half to slip home the opener on two minutes before an unmarked Willy Boly headed a second two minutes later.

But Erik ten Hag’s side mounted a glorious recovery as Christian Eriksen scored from close range on 17 minutes from a delightful Marcus Rashford cross, before Casemiro converted on 52 minutes after Rashford had played in Bruno Fernandes to head across goal.

With United applying serious pressure, Forest defender Joe Worrall was sent off for hauling down Fernandes on 67 minutes.

It was Fernandes who struck the winner on 76 minutes with a clinical penalty after Rashford was deemed to have been fouled by Danilo after a VAR check.

United move onto six points from three games after defeating Wolves 1-0 in their season opener at home a fortnight ago.

This was a thrilling match because you never knew what you were going to get from United near the Forest goal or in their own half.

After making Premier League history by becoming the first United side to fall 2-0 behind inside the opening four minutes, they mounted a terrific recovery with Fernandes, Antony, Rashford and Casemiro a constant nuisance in the final third.

But it was the problems that lurked at the back that kept the outcome a live issue until 12 minutes of Fergie time were played out at the end of the 90.

With England defender Harry Maguire remaining on the bench despite the departure of Raphael Varane at half-time, United looked brittle every time Forest attacked them and the major turning point that went in their favour came when Worrall was sent off for tugging the shirt of Fernandes.

That gave United the impetus to claim all three points against the 10 men, who continued to throw bodies forward in a frantic finale.

Steve Cooper’s spirited Forest side – who had an outstanding goalkeeper in Matt Turner – will wonder how they did not manage to earn at least a draw after such a vibrant start.

The superb Morgan Gibbs-White was also denied a certain third Forest goal before half-time when his shot struck the back of Taiwo Awoniyi as they led 2-1.

It was much to the relief of the United fans, who will enjoy the victory while knowing the balance of their side remains a work in progress.

The United captain was at the forefront of his side’s recovery in leading by example and refusing to panic after such a sluggish start.

A constant creative force, he set up Casemiro for a superbly worked equaliser with a cushioned header before converting the winning penalty after Rashford was hauled down.

Perhaps most poignantly, also made the run that forced Forest defender Worrall to haul him down midway through the second half that enabled United to enjoy a man advantage for the final quarter of a pulsating battle.

Man Utd: Andre Onana 7, Lisandro Martínez 7, Raphael Varane 6, Diogo Dalot 6, Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7, Bruno Fernandes 8, Christian Eriksen 7, Casemiro 7, Anthony Martial 6, Marcus Rashford 8, Antony 8 Subs: Victor Lindelof 6, Scott McTominay 6, Jadon Sancho 6

Nottingham Forest: Matt Turner 8, Joe Worrall 6, Scott McKenna 6, Willy Boly 7, Ryan Yates 6, Danilo 6, Ola Aina 6, Serge Aurier 7, Taiwo Awoniyi 7, Morgan Gibbs-White 7, Brennan Johnson 7 Subs: Moussa Niakhate 6, Anthony Elanga 6, Chris Wood 6, Cheikhou Kouyaté 6

2′ GOAL FOR FOREST! – Taiwo Awoniyi races from his own half after the corner with United caught in the visiting box. Rashford tried to get back, but the Forest man keeps his cool to slot the opening goal. Shocking defending from United.

4′ ANOTHER FOREST GOAL! – This is stunning stuff from Forest as this time Willy Boly evades his marker to head home for the visiting side from the Gibbs-White free-kick. Old Trafford completely stunned. Two minutes and 18 seconds between the two goals. They lead 2-0. Defending again has to be looked at.

17′ GOAL FOR UNITED! – Well, just what they needed as Christian Eriksen arrives to slip home the Rashford ball across goal. Superb from the great Dane. And United right back in the ball game at 2-1 behind.

52′ GOAL FOR UNITED! – Casemiro tucks the ball home from close range from the deft Fernandes header across goal. Marking not up to the job and United have hit right back. We are level at 2-2. What a match.

66′ FOREST DOWN TO 10 MEN! – Well, it doesn’t rain but it pours for Forest as Fernandes is taken out from the Casemiro free-kick over the top. Clear tug by Joe Worrall, who is shown the straight red. VAR having a check too. And the decision is going to stand.

75′ PENALTY TO UNITED! – An intese period of pressure ends with Rashford being taken out by Danilo inside area. Forest man says no, but VAR is probably going to say yes. Clear contact. And it is a penalty.

76′ UNITED SCORE TO LEAD! – Fernandes slams the ball low and hard to Turner’s right. Forest keeper guessed right, but nowhere near it. Too much power. United lead 3-2. Captain fantastic for United.