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

Substitution Anthony Jordan Martial Donny van de Beek

27 December 2022 21:23

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Orel Johnson Mangala Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis

27 December 2022 21:21

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Renan Augusto Lodi dos Santos Harry Stefano Toffolo

27 December 2022 21:21

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:20

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Substitution Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi Samuel William Surridge

27 December 2022 21:20

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

CHANCE!! It is another wasted chance for United. Malacia dummies the ball and leaves it for Fernandes. He, in turn, slides the ball towards Martial whose effort from close range is straight at the Forest goalkeeper, who deflects it away.

27 December 2022 21:20

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester United have scored more goals from fast breaks than any other side in the Premier League this season (5). These goals account for 25% of their total so far this term (5/20), also a league-high.

27 December 2022 21:18

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

SAVE!!! Nearly a third for United. They break through Rashford and it is a magnificent defence-splitting pass from the English forward to feed Fernandes. He lays it off to Antony but the Brazilian's left-footed effort is straight at Hennessey, who saves well this time in the Forest goal.

27 December 2022 21:16

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:15

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

27 December 2022 21:15