Awoniyi returns to starting XI, Dennis makes 50th PL appearance as Forest lose to Man Utd

Super Eagles strikers Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis were in action on Sunday evening in Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at the City Ground.

Forest, 18th in the table with 27 points after this game, are in dire relegation battle and desperately needed a good result to stand a chance of not remaining at the wrong end of the Premier League table in the final weeks of the season. 

Awoniyi was named in the starting lineup for the first time since January 4 after his injury setback in what was his 20th game of the season in which he has scored four goals thus far. 

Awoniyi's compatriot, Emmanuel Dennis came off the bench in the 81st minute for his 50th career Premier League appearance.

Forest conceded in the 32nd minute when Brazilian winger, Antony, curled home beautifully to put United ahead. 

Awoniyi went agonizingly close to restoring parity for Forest when he hit a shot over the bar which could have handed him his 5th of the season in the league and 6th in all competitions.

Former Ajax star, Antony, also went close to doubling United’s lead in the 49th minute but his dipping effort from wide area missed the top left angle by some inches. 

Awoniyi had two chances within the spate of a minute to hurt United but his 53rd minute header was off target, moments after he was flagged offside when through on goal. 

Bruno Fernandez drilled a powerful shot that threatened to produce the second goal but a great save from Keylor Navas saw the ball come off the frame of the post and out for a corner. 

Awoniyi was replaced in the 65th minute by Sam Surridge, the 10th time he would be subbed off for his team in this campaign. 

Diogo Dalot doubled United’s lead with a great finish from inside the box bin the 76th minute after Antony found him with an intelligent dummied pass. 

The win means United are in third place in the log after Newcastle United's 3-0 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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