Manchester United’s opening goal in the 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest provoked a fierce reaction from the Forest camp after a corner was awarded that manager Sean Dyche described as “farcical.” Referee Darren England deferred to his assistant Akil Howson, who signalled for a corner from the opposite side of the pitch. Casemiro headed United in front from that set piece.

Dyche led the complaints, telling Sky Sports: “It’s not inconclusive,” and adding, “I’ve seen it back.” In his postmatch press conference he continued: “Of course you can argue about us dealing with it, but the point is it’s the wrong decision. What’s even worse is that the assistant referee has given it from 75 yards away, behind the view of the goal. Apparently he can see it.

“We can clearly see the ball hanging over the line. Whether it’s three-quarters or not is irrelevant, the fact is it’s not out. It’s really disappointing.” Dyche also called for VAR intervention, but video assisted officials at Stockley Park cannot rule on corner kicks.

There is ongoing discussion among the game’s lawmakers about extending VAR’s remit to consider second yellow cards ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Premier League referees chief Howard Webb has previously expressed reluctance to empower VAR even further; “less is more” is his preferred stance, making a change to review corners unlikely.

Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White added: “It’s something that needs looking at,” and, continuing the theme of recriminations, “it has cost us two extra points today.” Off the field, attention around United’s recent run — a three-match winning streak — drew further colour. That streak prompted scrutiny of Frank Ilett, the Red Devils fan behind The United Strand, who is recording his refusal to cut his hair until the club win five successive matches. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens recently admitted that Illett’s hijinks have perforated United’s dressing room.

Forest wingback Neco Williams posted on social media: “Deserved more than a point,” he wrote. “That trim might have to wait.” For United head coach Ruben Amorim the result was something to build on: “If I think about game, we lost control for five minutes,” he told Match of the Day. “I feel in the recent past if we had had this situation [going from 1–0 up to 2–1 down] we would have struggled so much more than today.

“My feeling is we played well but we dropped a little bit of energy. When we have the full energy we are the better team. My players are giving everything but we have the potential to do better.

“Sometimes we have these moments. In the end we lost two points and we need to get three points in the next game.”

Amad Diallo’s late volley produced a stunning equaliser as Manchester United salvaged a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, extending the club’s unbeaten run to four games. The leveller arrived from outside the penalty area after a half-cleared corner and gave United a share of the points despite a spirited Forest comeback.

The match turned on a controversial moment in the first half when Forest players argued the ball had gone out before the corner that led to Casemiro’s free header. Casemiro’s goal was the opener and was matched by two second-half strikes from the home side.

Morgan Gibbs-White levelled with a header from Ryan Yates’s cross, and Nicolo Savona capitalised on a loose ball after a failure to deal with an aerial challenge to put Forest 2-1 up. The decision that allowed the first goal appeared to galvanise the home team and set the tone for an intense second period.

United threatened repeatedly; Bruno Fernandes hit the post from distance and Callum Hudson-Odoi blazed a low effort wide. From a corner that was half-cleared, the ball found Amad on the edge of the box and his volley arrowed into the bottom-right corner to secure the draw and take United fifth in the Premier League.

Individual contributions were notable. Casemiro produced a combative display and scored the opening goal. Bruno Fernandes offered variety and range in his passing and was unlucky not to score. Amad, who had mixed defensive moments earlier, delivered with superb technique for the finishing strike. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens finished with a 5.6 rating and completed 61% of his passes.

Match statistics underlined a busy evening: Forest 41% possession, Man Utd 59%; expected goals 1.92 to 1.15 in Forest’s favour; total shots Forest 17, United 18; shots on target 3 and 7 respectively. The draw left both teams with plenty to consider, the controversy and the late drama ensuring the fixture will be debated in the days ahead.

The Premier League places constant demand on defenders, and only a handful sustain the form and influence that mark the league’s elite. This piece presents a concise assessment of the current top 15 defenders based solely on the traits and milestones noted in the original draft.

Pedro Porro remains one of the most attack-minded full backs, excelling down Tottenham Hotspur’s right flank with an excellent eye for a pass and growing leadership responsibilities under Thomas Frank. Micky van de Ven returned to full fitness after missing a large chunk of last season to injury; his recovery pace, composure on the ball and strength in the tackle make him a standout central option.

Reece James has endured lengthy injury battles but, when fit, offers a sensational two-way athleticism capable of locking up attackers and delivering dangerous crosses; he is comfortable in central defence and in more advanced midfield roles. Murillo, following his 2023 move to Nottingham Forest, combined relentless defending with a willingness to drive from the back and play line-breaking passes, prompting expensive links to Europe’s elite.

Tino Livramento demonstrated his potential after bouncing back from a devastating injury, contributing both in attack and defensively for Newcastle United. Daniel Muñoz, signed by Crystal Palace in January 2024, is praised for elite athleticism and devastating bursts down the right wing.

Cristian Romero blends composed defending with aggressive intensity, backed by experience that includes World Cup and Copa América wins plus the 2024–25 Europa League. Ibrahima Konaté developed through French and German football and now anchors Liverpool with added intelligent positioning and movement to complement his physical attributes.

Marc Cucurella’s route from Barcelona’s academy through Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion has led to a revival at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, often deployed in an inverted role. Jurrien Timber overcame a devastating ACL injury suffered 50 minutes into his Premier League debut and has returned to provide versatile defensive cover for Arsenal, reflecting his Ajax education.

Marc Guéhi pairs aerial presence and defensive basics with uncommon composure on the ball and remains Crystal Palace’s captain as his contract situation draws attention. Rúben Dias, a standout in 2020–21, remains a Manchester City mainstay with four Premier League title spines to his name. Gabriel’s understated aggression and set-piece threat have made him indispensable at Arsenal, while Virgil van Dijk’s wider reputation endures despite a less favourable 2025–26 campaign.