On Sunday, Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 while putting on a strong display to get back to their best.
The fact that United added two more players to their injury list before the game made it even more amazing. Before Tyrell Malacia's ailing knee prevented him from traveling and Marcel Sabitzer injured his groin during the warm-up, Christian Eriksen took Marcel Sabitzer's position in the starting lineup.
The Dane was just one of many standout players for United, who put up a self-assured and thrilling performance to win thanks to goals from Antony and Diogo Dalot. Here are four game-related details that you could have missed.
Erik Ten Hag argument with the fourth official
It was an exciting start to the game as United might have taken the lead right away had Felipe not blocked Jadon Sancho's shot, and then Forest took control. Harry Maguire in particular was having a hard time keeping up with the tempo of the home team, who appeared to be threatening.
After Taiwo Awoniyi, the striker, turned him on the halfway line, the center back hauled him to the ground out of fear that he would advance on goal, earning himself an early booking. The manager argued with the fourth official about the judgment, which did not sit well with the captain or Ten Hag.
Man United's mid field reunites
With their outstanding performances, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes grabbed all the attention, but it goes without saying that United were much better with Casemiro back in the lineup. Due to a suspension, the Brazilian lynchpin has been absent from the last four domestic games, and his absence has been felt greatly.
He makes United considerably better because of both his outstanding talent and his strong leadership. During a play break in the first half, Casemiro gently pulled Fernandes away and counseled him to be more patient with the ball. It was a success because Fernandes put up a masterful performance and had a hand in the opening goal.
Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes argument
Late in the first half, Fernandes and the vivacious Anthony Martial engaged in an engaging conversation. On this particular occasion, no one was available to convert the good cross that the former had sent into the box.
That infuriated Fernandes, who then appeared to instruct Martial to strike the ball as soon as it entered the area. The Frenchman, though, didn't take it lying down and retaliated, appearing to say his buddy hadn't anticipated the pass to be made.
Antony Reacts to Erik Ten Hag's demands as Anthony Martial turns out to be a menace after his return
Although the data hadn't supported it, there has suddenly been a sense that Antony's performance at Manchester United is starting to click.
The winger's first season at Old Trafford after joining for £85.5 million from Ajax has been uneven, but as the season progresses, he is starting to regain his finest form. His greatest week for the team has most likely been this one.
He played well against Sevilla in midweek, but that performance is perhaps more famous for the criticism he received from Erik ten Hag for agitating Marcos Acuna and engaging in a running skirmish with the left-back. He was impressive against Everton for no apparent reason last weekend.
It all started with an unnecessary spin by Antony, who then collided with Acuna. He needs to select his moments to get showy, but overall, this week has seen him become more involved in the game.
He was unfortunate not to score against Sevilla after hitting the crossbar with a shot, but he did against Nottingham Forest after making the proper move to be in position to touch in the rebound after Keylor Navas had stopped Anthony Martial's shot.
If the goal had taken a while to come, then so had his fourth assist for the team. Antony needs to improve in this area because the last time he set a goal was at the end of January. With that price tag on a winger, the return is insufficient.
However, in creating Diogo Dalot's objective, he demonstrated his abilities. Had he released Jadon Sancho earlier in the opening minute against Sevilla, he might have been credited with an assist. On this occasion, he released Dalot as he broke through the Forest defense by perfectly timing his ball. It was a testament to Antony's abilities and the culmination of a week in which he started to resemble the winger United believed they had signed—a guy who can add numbers to his game.
Anthony Martial is a silent menace
The coaching staff at United were secretly admiring Martial's intelligent pressing before fitness troubles began to ruin his season. The Frenchman can appear careless and it is not a feature you would readily notice in his play, but there is also the perception that he stores his energies until the appropriate moment.
That was unquestionably clear in the way he contributed to the first goal United scored against Nottingham Forest. He moved covertly to grab the ball from the Forest defense before making a deft move into the open area while Bruno Fernandes picked him out. Although Antony was there to tap it in after his shot was saved.
Martial, who played a significant role in both of United's goals against Sevilla, is currently proving Erik ten Hag right about how much better the squad performs when he is around.
This week, Martial's performances have stood out in especially for the fight he's displayed in holding play-up. Against Nottingham Forest, he brought a tough presence and displayed outstanding teamwork.
He ought to have added a goal to his effort as well, but just before being replaced by Wout Weghorst after 70 minutes, he headed wide with his final touch.
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