After a marathon and perplexing match that extended to 103 minutes by the final whistle, Bruno Fernandes found himself bent over, gasping for breath. His socks had slipped down due to the immense running he had done throughout the game. Fernandes limped over to Ola Aina, who was also down on the turf, offering words of consolation.

A rough match for Utd yesterday

Fernandes’s posture at the end encapsulated the essence of Manchester United’s performance against Nottingham Forest, as well as their overall start to the season: battered, slightly disoriented, yet ultimately triumphant. Under Erik ten Hag’s guidance in his second campaign, Manchester United’s journey has tiptoed on the brink of disaster, with the possibility of defeat looming in each of their first three games for various reasons. However, the team has managed to secure a decent six points so far.

‘battered, slightly disoriented, yet ultimately triumphant’

Post-match, Ten Hag expressed more satisfaction about the comeback victory rather than dwelling on the daunting circumstances they had initially faced. Falling behind 2-0 to Forest within just three minutes and 47 seconds marked the quickest Premier League deficit in United’s history, surpassing the previous record set on Boxing Day in 1992 when Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad conceded two goals in six minutes against Sheffield Wednesday.

Ten Hag expressed more satisfaction about the comeback victory

While acknowledging his team’s shortcomings, Ten Hag referred to their opening as a “horror start” but also highlighted that every team has room for improvement during the early stages of a season. He stated, “We have to progress there if we want to be successful. But you see also this team has big character, there is big spirit and energy, and they found a way to win, so big compliment.”

Following the Tottenham match, Fernandes faced increased scrutiny. His mistimed header had significant implications for the game’s flow, and his leadership as captain was questioned due to his demeanor in defeat.

Following the Tottenham match, Fernandes faced increased scrutiny.

However, he stepped up against Forest. Fernandes played a pivotal role in the equalizing goal, winning a high free kick and then unexpectedly passing it to Marcus Rashford. He timed his subsequent run into the box to perfection, executing two movements to outmaneuver the Forest defense before providing the assist for Casemiro’s goal.

Bruno converted the penalty into a goal

Of course, Fernandes confidently converted the winning penalty and even earned the free kick that led to Joe Worrall’s red card by making a penetrating run behind the defense when Casemiro gained possession deep. He could have secured another assist from his first-half corner, which Casemiro surprisingly failed to convert.

Fernandes achieved both scoring and assisting for the 12th time in a Premier League match. No player has accomplished this more frequently since his debut in the competition in February 2020. Since that date, he holds the highest numbers for overall chances created (343) and chances created from open play (277).

He played with unlimited energy

He also stands as the first player to create 10 or more chances in the Premier League this season. His impact on United’s gameplay against Forest is visually illustrated in a graphic depicting the team’s passing networks.