It’s been a tough week for United’s doctors and physiotherapists. First, Rashford suffered a muscle injury in the match against Everton and had to miss a few weeks. Varane and Martinez were injured in the match against Sevilla, respectively, and had to sit out.
To add insult to all the injuries, Sabitzer picked up a knock in the warm-up and headed down the tunnel, with Eriksen forced to deputise for him with just a few minutes’ notice.
Some of these injuries, particularly Martinez’s, have been freak occurrences, but the build-up of muscle problems is going to lead to questions about the players’ physical preparation.
Sabitzer’s injury left United in shock before the game, especially given how well the Austrian played against Sevilla.
But in reality, his loss is United’s gain, as his replacement Christian Eriksen forged a fantastic partnership with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Eriksen passed the ball almost perfectly, Casemiro covered well for the defence, especially in the second half, while Fernandes played brilliantly.
The Portuguese midfielder tore through Forest’s defence, giving Antony the chance to open the scoring.
On the second goal, Casemiro recovered the ball, Fernades kicked the ball for Antony. The Brazilian shot a dangerous pass, giving Diogo Dalot a tenth chance to make it 2-0.
Without a doubt, Casemiro, Fernandes and Eriksen are Man United’s best midfield trio. And the stats don’t lie: they have won 15 of their 17 games and lost none of the 3 that started this season.
