Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Manchester United 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred scored in the first United game since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford scored in the first half for United (Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford continued his rich vein of form as Manchester United closed in on the Premier League top four with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Rashford, fresh from an impressive World Cup campaign with England, scored the opener and made the second for Anthony Martial as United moved to within one point of fourth-placed Tottenham. He was off the pitch by the time Fred added late gloss to the victory that Rashford spearheaded.

The 25-year-old has been back to his best this season and scored his eighth goal in 13 games for club and country, looking a real threat throughout the match. The way he combined with Martial and Antony in attack suggests that United will fare just fine without the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.

And with the possibility of additions next month, Erik ten Hag’s side will be making a real push to break into those Champions League places and stay in them through the second half of the season.

Relive all the action in the live blog below:

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest updates

• Manchester United cruise past Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Old Trafford - Rashford, Martial and Fred scoring
• FULL-TIME! Man Utd 3-0 Nottm Forest
• 87’ - GOAL! Fred finishes well after brilliant work by Casemiro (MUN 3-0 NFO)
• 41’ - NO GOAL! Yates’s header ruled out after a slight touch off Boly, who is offside (MUN 2-0 NFO)
• 22’ - GOAL! Martial finds the corner from Rashford assist (MUN 2-0 NFO)
• 19’ - GOAL! Rashford superbly finishes a well-worked corner routine (MUN 1-0 NFO)

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Shaw, who has been rarely threatened playing out of place at centre-back today, brings down Yates to give Forest a free-kick. Shaw is then fouled as the cross comes in and Forest give away a foul.

27 December 2022 21:39

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:37

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:35

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Raphaël Xavier Varane Jacob Harry Maguire

27 December 2022 21:35

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Christian Dannemann Eriksen Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos

27 December 2022 21:35

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Garnacho is getting all kinds of space on this left flank and nearly makes Forest pay with a jinxing run and low cross. Forest defenders recover to clear it away.

27 December 2022 21:35

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:33

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Forest give the ball away cheaply at the back and Fernandes strikes first time trying to catch Hennessey off his line. His effort is hit sweatly but it's just over the bar.

27 December 2022 21:33

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Yellow Card Christian Dannemann Eriksen

27 December 2022 21:33

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Sèrge Alain Stéphane Aurier Neco Shay Williams

27 December 2022 21:32