Varane shows his class
It had only been nine days since the World Cup final, and Manchester United were immediately grateful that Raphael Varane headed home so quickly.
The Frenchman was the first of anyone involved in the World Cup final to return to club action, and he did so with effortless class and composure, further confirming his importance to the side.
With Victor Lindelof out through illness and Harry Maguire only fit enough for the bench, Luke Shaw came into central defence, the position he had volunteered to play last week.
On another night, it might well have proven to be a banana skin, though there was hardly a moment of threat with Varane overseeing things at the back in such a commanding manner.
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Lingard's ruined return
There was a familiar look to the Forest side, with United academy graduate Jesse Lingard starting his first ever match against the team he grew up playing for.
He would have dreamed of making headlines with a match-winning performance, but despite a few bright moments, he did little to influence the outcome of the match.
His night was unfortunately cut short through injury less than ten minutes into the second-half, though it did make way for a lovely moment as Old Trafford applauded him for his efforts while at the club while he trudged back to the bench.
Rashford issued perfect Gakpo response
United insist they were not serious about signing Cody Gakpo prior to his Liverpool agreement, though there can be no ignoring the obvious fact that Ten Hag wanted him last summer and is still a huge fan.
It might not seem that way right now, but it has probably worked out best that United have not spent a sizeable sum on another forward that prefers playing on the left, particularly given that their squad list against Forest included three of them: Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga.
Rashford has been a man in fine form all season, and while there is certainly need for another attacker in the first-team squad, he is currently undroppable on his current output.
His finish for the opening goal highlighted just how much confidence is running through his veins, while the piece of skill before setting up Anthony Martial for the second was another demonstration of his fine technical ability.
He might not be up to Kylian Mbappé levels yet, but he is certainly easing any Gakpo grudges.
Fernandes the unsung hero
The success of Bruno Fernandes' performances is frequently, and unfairly, defined by whether he grabbed a goal contribution. Though, this was another night in which he shone while occupying a supporting role.
Fernandes is relishing the opportunity to be the poster boy for United following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit, and is also cherishing the responsibility of effectively being their new captain too.
He would have had an assist or two if not for some wasteful finishing from Antony and Anthony Martial, though just as satisfying were the string of recovery challenges he made and the interceptions he made.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen get much of the credit for the midfield transformation this season since they arrived, but the leadership of Fernandes has been just as important a factor.
Garnacho back with a bang
There is always a worry of too much too soon when a youngster bursts onto the scene, and last week against Burnley, that looked to be the case for an underwhelming Alejandro Garnacho.
He could have no complaints when he lost his place in the line-up to face Forest, though he certainly went about proving his point right from the start with an energising display.
'Viva Garnacho' rung around Old Trafford after he left Neco Williams for dead with an exquisite piece of skill on the edge of the box, and, he could have had an assist if a striker was lurking in the six-yard box to meet his cross.
The talented teenager still has plenty of work to do to make it at United, but he has already responded to his first real hurdle in style.
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