[Sports] Man Utd 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Marcus Rashford scores one goal and sets up another in easy win

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Marcus Rashford scored one goal and set up another as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 to move a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League.

United's preparations were disrupted by a virus which left Raphael Varane, who had only just returned from World Cup duty with France, as their only fit centre-back, with Erik ten Hag having to use left-back Luke Shaw alongside him.

But Forest rarely tested their makeshift backline, and, in United's first Premier League game since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, Rashford took centre stage, dispatching the opener from Christian Eriksen's clever corner in the 19th minute, then teeing up Anthony Martial for the second goal shortly afterwards.

Forest's Ryan Yates saw a goal ruled out for offside by VAR shortly before half-time, but United were otherwise dominant and wrapped up the win when the excellent Casemiro stole possession high up the pitch and fed substitute Fred, who lashed home a powerful finish three minutes from time.

The victory ensures United resume their Premier League campaign in the best way possible, closing the gap to Spurs as they chase a top-four finish, while Forest remain 19th, a point from safety

Erik ten Hag told the BBC: "We conceded no goals, kept a clean sheet. Happy with that because it is always the base to compete. We could have scored more goals definitely.

"We had some great attacks, lots of movement. When you have one on ones with the keeper, you have to score more goals."

On Marcus Rashford's performance, he added: "It was not only Rashford but I'm really happy with his performance once again. He is in a really good pattern and if he keeps with this pattern and spirit, it is good for us and good for him."

Regarding United's plans for the January transfer window, he added to Amazon Prime: "We are looking for offensive players. We are looking for a striker.

"We are always in the market, but it has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria. We do what we can to bring in the players we need."