MANCHESTER UNITED have climbed above Newcastle into third spot in the Premier League after a comfortable 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot were enough to secure all three points on the road.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also looking towards the summer transfer window with Monaco's £44m-rated Axel Disasi and England international Jude Bellingham among their top targets.
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- Emillia Hawkins
Fer Real?
Man Utd fans are convinced Man City outcast Joao Cancelo wants to move to Old Trafford after his reply to a Bruno Fernandes post.
The Red Devils midfielder produced a man of the match display to help his team claim a 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Following the game, Fernandes took to Instagram to hail his side’s impressive display.
The 28-year-old wrote: “On the road but always focused on our goal.
“Great performance from the team this afternoon and thank you to the away fans.”
That led to an influx of responses from supporters, but his fellow Portuguese international also waded in.
Cancelo, 28, wrote “Meu miudo joga muito”, which translates as ‘my boy play to much”, in reference to his pals brilliant performance.
And that left most of the United faithful believing that the defender, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, wants to join Fernandes at the Theatre of Dreams.
One wrote: “He wanna come to OT lol.”
Another said: “Cancelo as our RB next season.”
Credit: AP - Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
Erik ten Hag hailed his makeshift defence and compared matchwinner Antony to Arjen Robben after United sunk Nottingham Forest 2-0.
Boss Ten Hag praised Harry Maguire's rock-solid partnership with Victor Lindelof as the Red Devils made light of missing injured centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
And after Antony tapped in the opener the winger underlined his improved display by setting up a smart second for Diogo Dalot, who was standing in at left-back.
Ten Hag said: "The back four played well. The centre-backs – good co-operation. The full-backs – brilliant."
Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer's injury in the warm-up meant a sudden start for fit-again Christian Eriksen.
But Ten Hag felt the change was "definitely not a disadvantage" and revealed third-placed United hope to discover Sabitzer's problem today.
The Dutchman also claimed that although Antony bases his game on one trick like Holland legend Robben, he has the potential to develop his weaker right foot for "more variety".
Meanwhile, Red Devils' strike target Victor Osimhen has hinted he is happy in Napoli.
And potential dream midfield signing Jude Bellingham would reportedly prefer to stay at Borussia Dortmund until 2024.
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag compares Antony to Robben
Erik ten Hag has compared Manchester United star Antony to a certain Chelsea legend.
And he insists the Brazilian can continue to shine despite only having “one trick” in his locker.
Antony, 22, got a goal and assist as United cruised past Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
The former Ajax man has endured a mixed debut season in England.
But his latest showing proved he has what it takes to eventually live up to his £82million price tag.
And boss Ten Hag, who managed Antony at Ajax, believes the forward is a similar player to ex-Chelsea star Arjen Robbenand young enough to still develop his right foot for “more variation.”
The United boss explained: “I’ve seen Arjen Robben a lot. They say he has only one trick, but that trick was so brilliant no one can stop it.
“We have to emphasise if you can go both ways you have more variations, you are more difficult to stop.
“He knows that when you are a striker, you need end product but he already has eight goals in all competitions this season.
“There is only a split moment where you have to take that decision. He has to step up. Today was an example where, with both goals, he made the right decision.”
- Ian Tuckey
That's Dalot of celebrations!
Diogo Dalot performed an hilarious FIVE goal celebrations, after sealing United's 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, writes JON BOON.
The Portugal defender, 24, scored his first Premier League goal for the club at the 64th time of asking.
And immediately, he ran to the crowd to celebrate his moment.
But, after becoming overcome with excitement the full-back reeled off FIVE routines.
First, he was seen beating the United badge with pride.
Then, he wagged his finger at the Forest crowd after receiving stick from the home faithful during the game.
For his third party piece, he checked the pulse on his neck – perhaps a reference to his Man Utd career still being well and truly alive, or signalling he has ice in his veins.
A fourth celebration saw him pretending to take a sip of a drink.
While he concluded by involving Brazilian international Antony in a special handshake.
Dalot's celebrations drew plenty of comments on social media from fans who loved his reaction.
- Ian Tuckey
Besiktas back in for Weghorst
SunSport can exclusively reveal Besiktas are lining up a second deal for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst at the end of his surprise loan spell with Manchester United.
The Dutch star, 30, left Turkey halfway through a loan to grab the chance to play for the Red Devils.
But they are unlikely to try to keep him and Besiktas are among Turkish sides keen.
Burnley would prefer a sale but a loan return to Istanbul looks most likely.
Weghorst has managed just two goals in 21 games at Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag's surprise Dalot switch hailed
Erik ten Hag's deployment of Diogo Dalot at left-back against Nottingham Forest had Manchester United fans purring.
The Dutchman deployed the right back on the opposite flank in order to accommodate both him and fellow right-sided full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Portuguese was in rare form at the City Ground, where he doubled United's lead in the second half of their Prem clash with the relegation battlers.
And Red Devils fans were quick to hail Ten Hag for his tactical masterstroke, with one saying: "Dalot LB is a cheat code, I've seen enough.
"Some of our fans don't rate him lol, clueless. When [Luke] Shaw gets back, he plays CB to replace [Lisandro] Martinez with Dalot LB."
Another said: "Dalot LB is a cheat code."
And another said: "Erik Ten Hag made Diago Dalot to play LB and score a goal. What a manager."
One remarked: "Ten Hag spoke to him and he delivered."
Another chimed in: "Dalot plays LB today and bàgs 1st League goal.
"What is Ten Hag cooking."
- Ian Tuckey
How the subs fared
Weghorst – 6
Replaced Martial after 71 minutes and made an impact as his decoy run dragged Forest's defence around and created the gaping hole Dalot exploited to grab his goal.
Lucky to escape with a booking for an ill-advised petulant smack at Niakhate at the end.
Fred – 5
Came on for the imperious Eriksen with little more than 10 minutes left on the clock and made sure the back door remained locked.
- Ian Tuckey
Front three ratings
Antony – 8
Pounced to beat Renan Lodi at the back post and break the deadlock after Navas could only push away Martial's shot. That ended the Brazilian's six-month wait for a Premier League goal after scoring in each of his first three Prem matches.
Was a constant thorn in Forest's side and produced an assist with a brilliant pass to pick out Dalot's run at United's second.
Jadon Sancho – 7
Gave United good balance on the left and produced plenty of nice touches. On this occasion the chances didn't fall nicely for him but he can be satisfied with his afternoon's work.
Anthony Martial – 7
Led the line well and brought others into play. But the Frenchman will be kicking himself for heading wide just before he was replaced by Wout Weghorst when he should have put the game beyond Forest.
Not one of his most memorable games but in the absence of Marcus Rashford he can expect an extended run.
- Ian Tuckey
Midfield ratings
Casemiro – 7
Played his way back into action with a typically assured performance and stopped many Forest attacks before they got started.
By no means his best performance in a United shirt but it didn't need to be as he did everything that was required of him.
Christian Eriksen – 9
How Forest must have wished Marcel Sabitzer hadn't injured himself in the warm-up! That allowed Eriksen to start and pull the strings for United beside Casemiro as well as releasing Bruno Fernandez to play further forward.
The Dane dominated proceedings and allowed Fernandez to have fun on the front foot!
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Ran Forest ragged with his surging runs from midfield and could have had a hat-trick in both halves but for desperate defending and some sensational goalkeeping from Navas.
It was his classy first time pass which released Martial for United's opener. On top of his game here as he terrorised Forest throughout.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils ratings
Our man Graeme Bruce gives his guide to the individual performances following an impressive 2-0 win at Forest.
DEFENCE
David De Gea – 7
Gave Ten Hag an early scare when he suffered a leg injury which had Jack Butland warming up.
Soldiered on to keep Forest at bay with a typically assured performance. Solid under considerable pressure in the air and brilliant with his distribution.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Produced an important early block to deny Awoniyi and showed a good understanding of Ten Hag's tactics as he pushed into midfield when United were in possession.
A really accomplished performance.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Handled his rare chance to partner Harry Maguire well and was the safe pair of hands United needed in the absence of Lisando Martinez. Marshalled his defence well and used the ball well. His calmness eventually rubbed off on Maguire.
Harry Maguire – 6
Booked after four minutes when Awoniyi rolled him and he desperately wrestled him to the ground. That blunder left him walking a very long tightrope!
Rode his luck when the ball came off his arm at a corner only for VAR to let him off the hook. Another tough day at the office for the confidence sapped England defender who improved as the game went on.
Diogo Dalot – 8
Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia opened the door for Dalot to stand-in at left-back – and boy did he revel in it!
The Portuguese star snuffed out Brennan Johson's threat then, job done, he rampaged forward to celebrate his 100th United appearance with his first Premier League goal.
His perfectly timed run on to Antony's pass was finished like an expert.
- Ian Tuckey
RESULT: Forest 0 Man Utd 2
The Red Devils tightened their grip on third place as Antony netted a simple opener and teed up a sharp second for Diogo Dalot in a comfortable win over lowly Forest.
United dominated possession and had most of the quality chances.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
GOAL: Forest 0 Man Utd 2
Antony's first assist of the season superbly tees up left-back Diogo Dalot for United's cracking second goal on 77 minutes.
It came after Forest were just threatening a late revival.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
S/H: Forest 0 Man Utd 1
The Red Devils have had most of the chances and nearly all the meaningful possession in the second half as they seek a second goal.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
S/H: Forest 0 Man Utd 1
United began the second half brightly – but Lindelof soon had to clear danger at the other end.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
Osimhen 'blow' for Utd
Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen has dealt his suitors a blow by declaring: I am already at one of the biggest clubs.
The Nigeria international has caught the eye of several teams over the last 18 months with a string of scintillating displays for the Italian giants – who are on the brink of winning the Scudetto.
Manchester United are among the teams interested in acquiring Osimhen's services, although they'll seemingly be hard-pressed to following his public committal to the Neopolitans.
The 24-year-old told TG5: "'I’m at a great club and my career is growing constantly.
"I am already at one of the biggest clubs and I could not ask for more. Forza Napoli always!"
Osimhen's comments come just over a month after he admitted he dreams of playing in the Prem.
He said: "I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.
"A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
"I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday.
"But like I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."
- Ian Tuckey
H/T: Forest 0 Man Utd 1
Antony's easy opener for United divides the sides after a frantic first half.
Red Devils' centre-back Harry Maguire was booked early on and was later lucky to escape conceding a penalty for handball
But generally Forest's early fire has faded.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
GOAL: Forest 0 Man Utd 1
Antony pounced soon after the half-hour mark to give United a narrowly-deserved lead with a backpost tap-in.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
We’re under way: Forest 0 Man Utd 0
Red Devils' centre-back Harry Maguire picked up an exceedingly early booking.
And Forest soon began to cause problems in a frenetic opening 10 minutes.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
We’re under way: Forest 0 Man Utd 0
Jadon Sancho blasted a glorious 10-yard chance in the FIRST MINUTE – despite Forest having kicked off.
Desperate home defending eventually cleared the danger.
But United stayed on top early on.
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
We're under way: Forest 0 Man Utd 0
For all the action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
Bellingham 'wants to stay with Dortmund until 2024'
Jude Bellingham’s reported transfer preference is set to deal a big blow to the summer plans of England’s financial heavyweights.
The likes of Manchester United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all big fans of the 19-year-old and are eager to try and secure his signature.
However, these plans are set to be thwarted due to Bellingham’s own preference of destination next season.
According to The Times, Bellingham would prefer to STAY in Germany with Borussia Dortmund until 2024.
The reason derives from Bellingham’s fear of pushing for a move which may not be “absolutely right” for him.
- Ian Tuckey
Forest hit by injuries
City Ground chief Steve Cooper has been forced into more changes due to injuries.
12. Navas, 38. Felipe, 26. McKenna, 19 Niakhate, 7. N Williams, 23. Freuler, 28. Danilo, 32. Lodi, 10. Gibbs-White, 9. Awoniyi, 20. Johnson
Subs: 13. Hennessey, 4. Worrall, 5. Mangala, 6. Shelvey, 11. Lingard, 15. Toffolo, 16. Surridge, 25. Dennis, 34. A Ayew.
For all the build-up, action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
Three changes in Utd defence
Diogo Dalot will be at left-back, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof coming into central defence – as United's rearguard injuries hit home.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are out crocked of course.
Wout Weghorst is again on the bench, with Red Devils' boss Erik ten Hag opting for Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Antony in a mobile front three.
For all the build-up, action and then reaction go to our MATCH BLOG.
- Ian Tuckey
Forest vs Man Utd – team news
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof come into central defence among three changes for United.
Forest make four changes.
LATRST ODDS – from Betfair.
Nottingham Forest – 15/4, Draw – 31/10, United – 4/6
- Ian Tuckey
Utd title medal heading to Hollywood star
United are set to hand a title winners’ medal to a Hollywood superstar.
That’s after his dad won the league with United 71 years ago.
Harry McShane, who passed way at the age of 92 in 2012, scored eight goals in 57 games for United between 1950 and 1954.The Scot also played for Blackburn, Huddersfield, Bolton and Oldham.
But McShane’s greatest career moment came when United won the Football League First Division title in 1952. He played 12 times that term and even scored the winner in the Manchester derby.
However, McShane was cruelly denied a winners’ medal as he fell short of appearance regulations by just two matches.
Yet there is now good news for his family, with Man Utd successfully appealing to the EFL to grant McShane his medal.
Current regulations mean former stars can be recognised if they played just five times.
And McShane’s actor son Ian has been invited to Old Trafford for a special ceremony.
The 80-year-old won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 2005 after playing Al Swearengen in HBO’s smash hit Western TV show Deadwood.
Ian has also featured in Tinseltown box-office successes like Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean and John Wick.
And he will now collect a winners’ medal on dad Harry’s behalf in front of 75,000 fans at a Premier League game next season.
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