This is evidenced by United’s Tuesday triumph over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League encounter that ended 3-0.
Last week on Wednesday 21 December Manchester United comfortably overcame Burnley in a 2-0 win. This ensured the Red Devils’ progress to the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Charlton Athletic.
All these massive wins have been achieved despite Ronaldo’s exit. There had been talking about where goals should come from. Christiano Ronaldo threatened to create panic. An urgent need for a World class striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United left a void for a World-class Forward
The need for a Striker was further made worse even before the Tuesday game with Nottingham when rivals Liverpool announced an agreement to sign Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international had been on United’s wishlist. A probable replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lucky enough, the 3-0 thrashing of Nottingham was an appropriate reply to questions about where goals would come from. In fact, the side seems more fluid and dangerous without the 5-time Balloon d’Or winner.
Manchester United win over Nottingham Forest: 2 Talking points.
1. Marcus Rashford and co proving their worth
Having scored only 5 goals last season in 32 games, Rashford has already doubled his tally this season. On Tuesday he went further to prove his worth by scoring in the 19 minutes and setting up a goal for Anthony Martial. The duo has taken it upon themselves to provide the goals United desperately needs.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates with teammate Anthony Martial
2. Casemiro key to United’s top four ambitions.
No one could have seen this coming. Casemiro is an integral part of Erik Ten Hag’s side. Having started the season mainly on the bench, Casemiro is now one of the key players that hold the reality of fulfilling United’s top-four ambitions.
The Brazilian made a tackle in the United half that initiated a counter leading to United’s second goal. He constantly controlled the midfield and protected the makeshift back four. The icing on the cake for his performance was when he provided an assist for Fred to seal the win in the 87 minutes.
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