Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Stadium on Sunday evening, which sees them tighten their grip on the top four and climb up to third in the Premier League standings.

United made several changes in the starting lineup, with Lisandro Martinez ruled out of the season. Raphael Varane was also missing meaning Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were the center-back pairing coming into the game.

The visitors had the first big chance of the game in the 18th minute when Keylor Navas brilliantly saved Bruno Fernandes’ clean half-volley.

Forest came close to taking the lead just minutes after Scott McKena’s header struck the post following a corner.

United take first half lead

However, United got the goal they were looking for in the 32nd minute when Antony followed in from close range. Anthony Martial’s goal-bound effort was well saved by Navas, but Antony was on hand in the far post to slide home to give Eric ten Hag’s side the lead.

Both sides had big chances going into the break, but neither could keep their composure in the final third as United went into the tunnel with their lead intact.

Navas maintains United lead

The Red Devils were almost 2-0 up had it not been for Navas’ astonishing save, once against denying Fernandes’ ferocious hit from the edge of the box.

The former Real Madrid and PSG goalkeeper made a string of top saves to keep United at bay and Forest in the game.

The hosts should have equalized in the 73rd minute but Felipe failed to keep his header on target from point-blank range to let United off the hook.

The visitors took their next chance as they doubled their minutes later when Diogo Dalot found the net from Antony’s cutback after a darting run from the right wing.

This was also the Portuguese’s first goal in the Premier League. The hosts hardly threatened after conceding as United grabbed a hard-earned win.

The result means United are now third with 59 points from 30 games, taking full advantage of Newcastle’s 3-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday.

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