Anthony Elanga's stunning early goal was enough for Nottingham Forest to beat Manchester United 1-0 at the City Ground tonight to complete a league double over the Red Devils for the first time since the reign of Brian Clough.
It took the former United man just five minutes to break the deadlock on the banks of the River Trent, and a gritty defensive performance so typical of this side under Nuno Espirito Santo was enough to keep Ruben Amorim's men at bay.
Forest were happy to allow the visitors to have the lion's share of possession, as they restricted United to very few clear-cut chances, with their best opportunities predominantly coming from set pieces.
Harry Maguire had the best late chances for the visitors, heading wide with the goal at his mercy, before forcing Murillo to clear off the line with the last kick of the game, but Matz Sels and his superb defence were able to hold on for a 13th clean sheet of the season, taking them above Liverpool for the most in the Premier League.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
In another chastening evening for Amorim and Man United, there is no way of sugar coating the fact the Red Devils have not won back-to-back Premier League games in 12 months.
While there was some good interchanging play at times, United only really threatened from corners and free kicks, with Sels barely tested throughout the 90 minutes, and the result leaves them a whopping 20 points behind Forest, an occurrence that was simply unthinkable at the start of the campaign.
The international break may have come at the worst possible time for Amorim, especially considering they won consecutive matches both by a three-goal margin prior to it against Real Sociedad and Leicester City, as tonight's defeat leaves them vulnerable of potentially falling to 15th by the weekend.
Nothing can be taken away from Forest though, who look on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since its rebranding in 1992, with the gap to sixth-place Newcastle United now at 10 points, albeit the Magpies do have two games in hand.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Elanga goal vs. Manchester United (5th min, Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United)
ANTHONY ELANGA, THAT IS INCREDIBLE! ⚡
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2025
The winger scores a blistering solo goal against his former side 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9J38PnbMsV
Is it a staggering counter-attacking solo goal from Elanga against his former club! The Swedish winger carries the ball almost the entire length of the field, covering 85 metres in just nine seconds, before having the composure to beat Andre Onana in the Man United goal.
MAN OF THE MATCH - NECO WILLIAMS
© Imago
Often having to choose between Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo for man of the match following a clean sheet when both are so consistent and complement each other perfectly is tough, but playing directly up against Alejandro Garnacho after switching to right-back late in the first half, Williams was superb in keeping the visitors at bay.
The Welsh defender was quick to close down shots and crosses, flinging his body in the way of everything, and timing his tackles perfectly in the final third, making him the night's standout performer.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Nottingham Forest 32%-68% Manchester United
Shots: Nottingham Forest 8-23 Manchester United
Shots on target: Nottingham Forest 2-6 Manchester United
Corners: Nottingham Forest 3-10 Manchester United
Fouls: Nottingham Forest 5-12 Manchester United
BEST STATS
23 - In all competitions this season, only Leicester City (25) have conceded the opening goal in more matches among all Premier League sides than Manchester United (23). Uphill. pic.twitter.com/YD5w5qLzbj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 1, 2025
Nottingham Forest are unbeaten against the 'Big Six' at the City Ground in the Premier League this season and they've only conceded one goal.
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 1, 2025
◉ 1-0 vs. Tottenham
◉ 1-1 vs. Liverpool
◉ 0-0 vs. Arsenal
◉ 1-0 vs. Man City
◉ 1-0 vs. Man Utd
Just Chelsea left to complete... pic.twitter.com/dJfvE5E5sO
In the Premier League this season, Matz Sels has kept more clean sheets than any other GK, while only Mark Flekken (122) has made more saves than the Belgian (94).
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 1, 2025
The best keeper in the league in 2024/25. 👏#NFOMUN | @bet365 | #Ad pic.twitter.com/WtRWC6MHcj
WHAT NEXT?
Forest have a tricky trip to Aston Villa in the Saturday evening slot ahead of them, while Man United welcome rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford in the Premier League weekend's standout fixture.
Andrew Delaney
