By Francis Ajuonuma with agency report
Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, made a return to Nottingham Forest City starting XI yesterday at the City Ground for the first time in more three months on the sideline but failed to rescue the home side from going down 0-2 to Manchester United.
Awoniyi prior to yesterday’s game had last featured for the Forest on 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.
