What Casemiro did during Manchester United’s penalty against Forest showed just how great this game was

What Casemiro did during Manchester United’s penalty against Forest showed just how great this game was

Casemiro turned away from the goal Manchester United were attacking and crouched down, watching Stretford End for their reaction to confirm whether or not Bruno Fernandes’ penalty found the back of the net.

As the bleachers erupted, Casemiro stood up and clapped his fists, releasing the emotion that came with the feeling of being released from prison. At the end of a dreadful week, United finally had something to cheer about. It was not convincing, but it was an urgently needed result.

 

There have been many dark days here over the past decade, but none started as badly as this one. After a week in which the club suffered both on and off the pitch, United are said to have welcomed a return to real football. At least until 3.04pm.

 

They were two goals behind Forest by then, the first goal in Premier League history. They say it never rains but it does and it seemed fitting as the clouds broke shortly afterwards and rain poured down on the creaking roof of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, reminding us that neglect can often be seen everywhere.

 

United’s ultra-aggressive approach led to Taiwo Awoniyi scoring within 90 seconds after conceding a counter attack from his own corner. Their nonchalance could be attributed to the second goal, with Diogo Dalot clearing a soft free-kick and Casemiro not doing enough to cut through Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross before it struck Willy Boly and found the bottom corner.

It was pandemonium outside and bewilderment throughout the rest of Old Trafford. Credit goes to United who recovered, but it was an afternoon that left as many questions as answers.

United probably needed a quick reaction to the chaotic start and they got it when Marcus Rashford passed Serge Aurier and Christian Eriksen was on hand to turn the cross home. Eriksen has done enough here to suggest he should rival Mason Mount for a starting berth if the England midfielder is fit. It took until the second half for United to make a comeback, with Fernandes taking center stage. His ingenious free-kick gave Casemiro an equalizer and he netted his penalty after Danilo brought down Rashford as Forest reduced to 10 points.

But it looks like another unconvincing afternoon for United, who are more than happy to have won two of their first three games of the season. They have to be much better than what we have seen so far to beat Arsenal.

Again, they were too open at times and Forest might feel they should have scored more than two goals. They haven’t had as many shots as Wolves here two weeks ago, but they still looked menacing. Much better teams than those two are expected to come to Old Trafford next season and the hosts cannot be as generous as they seem at the moment.

Casemiro helped United with his goal but is still intermittently suspended at the base of midfield and often caught too far upfield. Diogo Dalot looked vulnerable at left-back and Raphael Varane’s half-time withdrawal could be another injury in a season that is now almost dominated by them.

 

On a positive note, United have finally spotted a threat going forward. They scored three and always seemed to believe the match was winnable.

However, a balance must be found. This team cannot continue to give opponents Wolves and Nottingham Forest, among others, the encouragement they have received. This was a crucial victory, but there is still work to be done.