Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United Report

Scorers: Elanga 5’

Nottingham Forest secured a landmark result at the City Ground, completing their first-ever Premier League double over Manchester United with a determined 1-0 victory.

A stunning first-half solo effort from Anthony Elanga proved decisive, as Ruben Amorim’s United failed to win back-to-back league matches yet again, slipping to 13th in the table.

Elanga Haunts Former Club With Devastating Counter

United had the game’s first sight of goal when Bruno Fernandes forced Matz Sels into a parry with a powerful long-range effort. However, from the resulting corner, Forest launched a blistering counterattack.

Ryan Yates’ header cleared the danger and Anthony Elanga, formerly of Manchester United, picked up the loose ball.

Racing from deep inside his own half, the Swedish international surged into the opposition box and dispatched a clinical left-footed finish past André Onana, giving the hosts the lead against the run of play.

It marked the 23rd time this season that United have conceded the opening goal in all competitions—more than any other Premier League side except Leicester (25).

United Respond But Lack Cutting Edge

Despite the setback, United responded well. Casemiro headed wide from a Fernandes corner, while Diogo Dalot’s powerful header rattled the crossbar following another superb delivery from the Portuguese playmaker.

Forest, aside from Elanga’s opener, struggled to threaten and suffered a setback when Ola Aina was forced off injured just before the break. Still, they went into the interval with the advantage thanks to Elanga’s brilliance and a resilient defensive display.

Forest Stand Firm as United Fall Short Again

The second half began at a frenetic pace. Morgan Gibbs-White blazed over after a mistake by Alejandro Garnacho, who then went close at the other end with a pair of speculative efforts—one wide, one blocked by Yates.

United dominated possession and showed moments of slick build-up play, but Forest’s defensive structure held firm, with Sels rarely troubled in the latter stages.

The Belgian keeper comfortably collected Patrick Dorgu’s tame header, while Fernandes continued to be United’s main creative outlet.

Mason Mount made his long-awaited return from injury and nearly marked it with a goal, bending an effort just wide of the post. Harry Maguire, also introduced from the bench, had two late opportunities: one header drifted wide, and the other was heroically cleared off the line by Murillo.

Forest Stay Third, United’s Away Woes Continue

Forest’s gritty win extended their unbeaten home league run to nine matches, further solidifying their hold on third place in the table during what continues to be a standout campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo.

As for United, their inconsistencies remain, and the result marked consecutive away defeats to Forest for the first time since 1990.

Despite a spirited second-half showing, the Red Devils were once again punished for a lack of finishing quality and remain stuck in 13th, with pressure building on Amorim to find stability before the season slips away.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Nott’m Forest v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League