Man Utd “Flop” ends Goal drought 

Antony ends Man Utd drought to claim much- 5 talking points

The summer signing of the year Antony finally scored in the Premier League to help Manchester United beat struggling Nottingham Forest.

For the journey to the City Ground, United was obliged to make four injury-related changes to their lineup. Despite Forest’s troubles this season, it was an open game, as Antony fired his team ahead after responding quickest to Keylor Navas’ save from Anthony Martial.

It was the Brazilian’s first goal since October, but Forest failed to equalize and Diogo Dalot sealed the win late on with his maiden top-flight goal. Discover Walks Sports examines five of the game’s most important talking issues.

Ten Hag’s injury headache worsens

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Manchester United has played 51 games so far this season, with at least 10 more to go. Erik ten Hag’s squad is buckling under the strain, having been forced to make four injury-related changes for the trip to Forest.

The absences of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia were known long before kickoff, however, Marcel Sabitzer injured himself during the warm-up. The Austrian was replaced in midfield by Christian Eriksen, but it was yet another injury setback for Ten Hag.

Goalkeeper David de Gea also appeared to be limping during the first half, with Jack Butland sent out to warm up. With hopes of winning two more trophies and a top-four place to battle for, this injury crisis is the last thing Ten Hag needs.

Maguire fails to take his chance

Harry Maguire was brought back into the starting line-up following the injuries to Varane and Martinez. But the United captain failed to impress on what was just his seventh Premier League start of the season.

His afternoon started in disastrous fashion when he was booked after just three minutes. The Englishman made no attempt to play the ball as he wrestled Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi down to the ground.

Twelve minutes later, Maguire inexplicably put the ball out for a throw-in while trying to pass to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He picked up slightly in the second half, but Ten Hag may be concerned Maguire will be exposed against a higher standard of striker in the run-in.

Cooper back on the hot seat

Following his side’s defeat to United, Forest manager Steve Cooper is under intense scrutiny. The defeat dropped his team into the relegation zone, despite being only one goal behind Everton on goal differential.

Despite this, they have now gone 10 games without a win in the Premier League, with this defeat being their third in a row. Evangelos Marinakis, the owner of the forest, has publicly backed Cooper.

However, due to the team’s poor form, which has put them at serious risk of relegation, such support may be withdrawn. Despite a strong effort against United, Forest’s fight for survival will be intense.

Antony breaks the goal drought

Antony has received a lot of flak since his £82 million summer transfer to Old Trafford. Much of this has been attributed to his inability to contribute to United’s goal total this season.

Those issues have been most acute in the Premier League, with the Brazilian’s most recent goal coming against Everton in October. Antony has endured a long drought in the Premier League since then, which ended at the City Ground.

The Brazilian followed up Anthony Martial’s effort, which was saved by Keylor Navas, with the perfect instincts. Antony will be hoping to exploit Sunday’s goal-scoring day to jump-start his United career.

Eriksen picks up where he left off

The midfielder had a pass completion rate of 89 percent, created three major chances, and won three of his four duels during his 78 minutes on the pitch. Eriksen’s performance will delight Ten Hag as United prepare for the run-in, with his return giving them a huge boost.