Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Casemiro saves Erik ten Hag's blushes! Brazilian comes up clutch to bundle lacklustre Red Devils into FA Cup quarter-finals

The Brazilian midfielder's stooping header gave United a narrow and scrappy victory to keep their season interesting

Manchester United versus Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup inevitably brings back memories of Mark Robins, the man who is credited with saving Sir Alex Ferguson from the sack by scoring the only goal in a third-round tie in 1990. Back at the City Ground thirty 34 years on, Casemiro may have saved Erik ten Hag his job.

The Brazilian got a deft touch to a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in the 89th minute which flummoxed Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner and gave the Red Devils the scrappiest of victories. They had arrived in Nottingham with a huge injury list but Fernandes and Raphael Varane played through the pain and United did what they had to do.

They had to rely on a series of outstanding saves from Andre Onana and got through despite another abject performance from Marcus Rashford. It was enough to beat Forest and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final tie with Liverpool, but if Ten Hag's side play like this on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, they could get annihilated by rivals Manchester City.

GOAL rates Man United's players from the City Ground...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (8/10):
Always alert, making fine saves in either half to deny Taiwo Awoniyi and Divock Origi.
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Did well to contain the electric Anthony Elanga and was an asset when he inverted into midfield.
Victor Lindelof (6/10):
More assured in his usual position of centre-back, able to keep tight and muck in with blocks and clearances.
Raphael Varane (5/10):
Overcame an injury scare to start. Did OK defending but couldn't progress the ball forward for love or money.
Sofyan Amrabat (4/10):
His lack of pace was exposed when he was smoked by Origi down the right. His passing was also sloppy.

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Midfield
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Created plenty of danger with his movement but missed big chances.
Casemiro (6/10):
Held United's midfield together and an improvement on his last two outings. His attacking play was wayward for most of the game but got the crucial final touch in the end.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Also recovered from an injury scare and it showed as he played like he was wearing flippers. Ended up playing a crucial role in the victory, though.
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Attack
Antony (6/10):
Struck the bar and had a decent first half. Reverted to his usual script in the second and was taken off for Amad Diallo.
Marcus Rashford (4/10):
Fired over the bar in each half and barely got any space in behind while he was incapable of holding the ball up.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
An uncharacteristically quiet game from the Argentine, who struggled to sparkle after switching back to the left wing.

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Subs & Manager
Amad Diallo (5/10):
Shanked a shot off target and struggled to control key passes.
Jonny Evans (N/A):
Hauled on in added time.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Brought on in added tie.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
Had to shuffle his pack due to another injury crisis. His team were poor although they did squander their chances until finally sneaking through.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager