United come good at the end of an ugly week

THREE goals in eight, late second half minutes saved Manchester United from the ignominy of finishing with the wooden spoon in the Umbro International Tournament at the City Ground yesterday.

The Double winners, forced to play off for third place with hosts Nottingham Forest after a 2-1 defeat by Dutch champions Ajax on Saturday, trailed to Kevin Campbell's 20th minute strike with just 10 minutes remaining.

But that was the cue for Alex Ferguson's understrength side to hit back in devastating fashion through David Beckham, Brian McClair and Phil Neville to rescue some pride in a week when they were also thrashed 3-0 in Italy by Inter Milan.

United looked in the mood to shake off the disappointment of losing to Ajax in the opening stages, with the magnificent Eric Cantona the focal point of everything positive for the visitors.

Forest, obviously wary of the Frenchman, fouled him twice in the very first minute, but their close attentions could not keep him under wraps for long.

But Forest are never more dangerous than when they are under the cosh, and a typical, quick fire raid brought them the lead with their first attack of any real purpose in the first 20 minutes.

Stuart Pearce launched the ball over United's square rearguard from deep inside his own half, and former Arsenal striker Campbell surged beyond Ronnie Johnsen to clip a shot over the advancing Peter Schmeichel.

When Forest decided to replace new Croatian centre back Nikola Jerkan with Steve Chettle, the home side suddenly looked vulnerable.

First, Beckham lashed a fine 25 yard drive past Crossley to bring United level with 10 minutes remaining after the ball fell in his path when Phil Neville's cross was deflected.

Then, three minutes later substitute McClair, the goalscorer against Ajax, got on to a poor, headed clearance by Chettle to send the United fans wild again with a neat volleyed finish from eight yards.

And the revival was complete when Simon Davies and Scholes combined to send Phil Neville in on goal to beat the advancing Crossley with a first time lob two minutes from time.