Amad Diallo’s stunning late strike rescued a 2-2 draw for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, as Ruben Amorim’s side were forced to settle for a point despite a strong start at the City Ground.
United had looked set for a fourth consecutive league win after Casemiro’s first-half header gave them control. But two quick goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolo Savona turned the match around before Diallo’s thunderous volley brought the visitors level again.
The match began with United showing confidence and intent. Benjamin Sesko had two early chances to put them ahead, first side-footing wide from a Bryan Mbeumo pull-back and then dragging another shot past the post. The pressure finally paid off in the 34th minute when Casemiro met a Bruno Fernandes corner with a glancing header that beat the goalkeeper. Forest supporters were furious, believing the corner should not have been awarded, but United were in front.
Diallo could have doubled the lead before halftime when he found space in the box, but he fired high from a good position. That miss came back to haunt United after the break. Forest, who had not scored in their previous four league games, burst into life with two goals in quick succession. Gibbs-White headed in from close range to equalise in the 52nd minute, and just moments later Savona reacted quickest to a loose ball to make it 2-1.
United regrouped and pushed forward again. Bruno Fernandes went close with a curling strike that clipped the post, and Amorim urged his players to stay patient. Their persistence was rewarded nine minutes from time when
Diallo pounced on a half-cleared corner, meeting it with a clean volley from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner.
Diallo almost completed the comeback in stoppage time, but his powerful effort was cleared off the line. Forest held on for a deserved draw that lifted their spirits under new manager Sean Dyche. For United, the point moved them into fifth place, just ahead of rivals Manchester City, but it also felt like an opportunity missed.
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