Alan Shearer reveals what he liked about Awoniyi's performance in first half of Forest's loss to Man Utd

Published: February 28, 2024

Premier League's record goalscorer Alan Shearer reserved praise for Taiwo Awoniyi during the first half of Nottingham Forest's Emirates FA Cup clash against Manchester United at the City Ground on Wednesday night.

Amid his fitness concerns, the Nigeria international went the distance for just the second time since his recovery from a groin injury that kept him out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Manchester United broke Nottingham Forest's hearts right at the death and claimed their place in the last eight of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to their Brazilian midfielder Casemiro who glanced home a header from a Bruno Fernandes delivery.

Nottingham Forest played their part but could not take their chances to break the deadlock before the interval with Awoniyi and Neco Williams failing to convert.

Sixteen minutes into the contest, Awoniyi' attempted a shot from a tight angle which was blocked by Victor Lindelof. and the Swede also thwarted his subsequent follow up effort.

The Nottingham Forest number 9 fired at goal and forced Red Devils' Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana into a save at minute 18.

Reacting to Awoniyi's performance in the opening sixteen minutes, Shearer highlighted that the Nigerian has the ability to use his pace and physicality to get past opposition defenders.

"It's the sort of run a defender doesn't want from Taiwo Awoniyi - in behind. He's at it and looks a threat for Forest," the former Newcastle United and England striker said on BBC One.

Having exited the FA Cup, Awoniyi and his Nottingham Forest teammates can now focus on the Premier League and the other issues that they have between now and the end of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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