Roy Keane hails Man Utd ‘quality’ after Nottingham Forest win as ‘important’ Harry Maguire earns praise

Roy Keane was left impressed by Manchester United after they came out on top in the battle of his former clubs at Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils made a promising start at the City Ground and their pressure paid off when Antony fired them in front from close range just moments after the half-hour mark had passed. After seeing off a lively start to the second-half from their hosts, Erik ten Hag’s side doubled their advantage when Diogo Dalot grabbed his first Premier League goal for the club with quarter of an hour remaining.

The win moved the Red Devils three points clear of fourth placed Newcastle United and they lie a further three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a place in next season’s Champions League. There were contrasting emotions for Forest, who remain in the relegation zone with seven games remaining - and Keane admitted he was left with contrasting views on the fortunes of two of his former clubs.

He told Sky Sports: “It was very, very comfortable for United today. We said Forest were very open and they are obviously struggling confidence-wise. They lacked that little bit of quality and United should have scored more goals and would have but for the goalkeeper for Forest, who was outstanding.

“Forest have to keep believing and keep fighting. It was tough against United, who had so much quality. More credit to United over the two halves than Forest, but they are still in there fighting, they’ve got to believe that but the confidence seems to be going and the lack of goals is a huge concern.”

There was also praise for United defender Harry Maguire, who left treading a fine line after receiving a yellow card for a challenge on Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi with just three minutes on the clock. Despite some nervy moments, the England centre-back kept his cool and put in a disciplined display to help his side keep a clean sheet that brought praise from one former Premier League striker.

Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “Yes, he had the early scare but he paced himself. I think he had a very, very good game and he won all of his headers. With the long throw-ins, he was important. On the ball he looked very confident and very calm, it was a very good performance from Harry Maguire today.”

United are back in action on Thursday night when they visit Sevilla for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final before hosting Chelsea in the Premier League next weekend.