Man United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest shows how successful Rasmus Hojlund will be at Old Trafford
Manchester United have had a rather odd start to the season so far with two wins in three games, which is an improvement from the start of last season.
This time last year, United had lost their first two games of the season to Brighton and Brentford.
This season, United have seemed a bit shaky at times, but Erik ten Hag’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest looked like a return to normalcy.
Despite being two goals down, with both goals completely avoidable, United dominated the game and created one after another, eventually scoring the winning goal.
United sometimes camp out on the edge of the Forest penalty area and one could benefit the most, Rasmus Hojlund. How will the Danes benefit?
United created steady chances throughout the game, similar to the loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Those opportunities mainly belong to Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder played brilliantly throughout the game against Forest and ended his stellar performance with a decisive penalty.
The former Sporting Lisbon midfielder has created four big chances this season but has only provided one assist.
With a striker like Hojlund potentially at the end of those ratios, it’s entirely possible Fernandes to form a chilling partnership with the 21-year-old. The former Atalanta striker will occupy central defenders and find a way to run along the lines, something Anthony Martial struggled with during the Old Trafford game.
United’s Lucky Creation
Aside from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ win, United created one after another, but the strikers simply weren’t consistent enough.
The hope for Hojlund is that United can convert those chances and be more consistent in front of goal.
United have the second most anticipated goals so far this season with an xG of 7.4 in just three games according to Understat.com, but with just four goals to end their chances are a problem.
This issue is not a concern for Ten Hag, creating many chances can’t be a negative even if United are working to convert those chances. The addition of Hojlund in attack will solve the problem of United’s lack of defense in front of goal.
The £64m Dane looks set to make his debut against Arsenal, which promises to be a tough encounter at the Emirates.
ALSO READ
Manchester United fans Suprisingly picked a name for man of the match vs Nottingham Forest
After going 2-0 down Manchester United turned their performances around with one goal scored in the first-half and two goals after the break.
Christian Eriksen opened United’s account while his two midfield partners Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes also scored one each to complete the comeback.
A 3-2 win for United which will be a massive confidence boost before next weekend’s trip to the Emirates.
Man of the match vote
Manchester United good fans voted for the man of the match award via the club app and website, and there was one clear winner, Bruno Fernandes .
Here is a look at how the vote broke down…
- Bruno Fernandes: 58 per cent
- Casemiro: 12 per cent
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 10 per cent
- Marcus Rashford: 7 per cent
- Christian Eriksen: 6 per cent
- All others had five per cent or less.
It is quite clear that Fernandes contributed a goal and went on to create an assist as United came from behind to win while Casemiro scored with Marcus Rashford assisting Eriksen’s opener and giving Man Utd the penalty for the winner.
Ten Hag praises Bruno’s performance
The fans weren’t alone in recognising Bruno’s display, with Erik ten Hag also singling the captain out for praise via the Manchester Evening News.
He said: “In all aspects he played a very good game at the highest level, keeping calm, and emotions under control, using his emotions at the right moment, he was brilliant in attacking, making a difference, so very pleased with his performance.”
ALSO READ
£21m Brazilian midfielder rejects Man Utd says he’s interested in joining Liverpool
There are talkes going on that Andre Trindade has reportedly teased that he wants to join Liverpool, with the midfielder rejecting an approach from Manchester United.
According to journalist Emmanuel Luiz, the Fluminense youngster wants a move to Anfield having had talks with Liverpool, with the Reds interest beginning to once again intensify for Andre.
The Brazilian youngster, who Liverpool believed to have made a €25m (£21m) deal offer for this summer, has been wanted by the Premier League side for some time, with Andre now keen on a move.
However, a deal with Fluminense is proving hard to strike, with the Brazilian giants eager to keep hold of Andre for as long as possible despite interest from Liverpool.
Indeed, a move could soon take place, and Luiz has now said that the midfielder is keen to match the switch. The journalist said: “Andre wants the Liverpool move.
“Manchester United was in talks with the player’s camp, they said look, in England, we agreed with Liverpool. I love Andre, but I never trust a player’s word, but in this case I think it’s a very strong situation.”
Liverpool need to push to see of they can get Andre before the window shuts
Andre is quickly emerging as a prime candidate for Liverpool’s final midfield signing of the window, and if the Reds want to bring the Brazilian to Merseyside, they’ll have to act now to make a deal possible.
Fluminense’s stance on not selling Andre as long as they’re in the Copa Libertadores is a brave one, yet it’s something Liverpool can break down with a financially-tempting offer.
With Andre already sold on a move to Liverpool, all it will take is a bid from the Reds to shatter Fluminense’s resolve, something that is more than possible in the coming days.
ALSO READ…
Pundit believes Dominik Szoboszlai must prove his worth in Liverpool colours
BBC Pundit Garth Crooks claims Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai must prove his worth at Liverpool in this current campaign.
Reds secured their first victory of this season in front of their home fans at Anfield. Liverpool won 3:1 against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Reds came back from the deficit just after three minutes coinciding, as Luis Diaz scored the equaliser for the home team. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah put them in front when he scored the second goal from rebound nine minutes before the halftime.
Alexis Mac Allister was shown red-card for a tackle on Ryan Christie in the 58th minute of the match. However, Dominik Szoboszlai showed good signs of form as he dominated scheme of play on Saturday.
Former footballer and pundit Garth Brooks was quite impressed with Szoboszlai’s performance against the Cherries on Saturday. He reckons that midfielder should have work hard to keep respect of the Number 8 jersey.
“He can certainly play.
“Liverpool’s new signing Szoboszlai showed all the touches of a good player against Bournemouth and looks like he wants to be constantly involved in the play.
“Well, if he is going to wear Liverpool’s number eight shirt, someone at Anfield had better tell him what that means and who has worn that shirt before him.
“Sammy Lee, Brian Hall, Jimmy Case and Steven Gerrard, who immortalised the jersey, have all worn that shirt with pride. Szoboszlai needs to know he has big shoes to fill and a heart to match.”
Szoboszlai was a star performer for his former club RB Liepzig, as he scored 20 goals and 21 assists in 91 games for the German outfit. He will crucial for Liverpool success this season.