Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United: Elanga haunts former club as Forest complete historic double over Red Devils
Nottingham Forest achieved their first-ever Premier League double over Manchester United with a 1-0 victory at the City Ground, leaving Ruben Amorim’s team still in search of consecutive league wins this season.
Bruno Fernandes had the first chance of the match, but his long-range shot was safely deflected by Matz Sels. It was Forest who took the lead following a corner for United, launching a rapid counterattack led by Anthony Elanga.
The former Manchester United winger seized the loose ball from Ryan Yates’ headed clearance and made an impressive run down the field, finishing with a precise left-footed shot past Andre Onana.
This marked the 23rd occasion in all competitions that United conceded the first goal, with only Leicester (25) having done so more frequently among Premier League teams.
Ruben Amorim’s squad responded effectively, as Casemiro missed a header from a Fernandes corner. Fernandes continued to trouble the Forest defense with his corner kicks, setting up his fellow Portuguese player Diogo Dalot, whose header struck the crossbar.
Aside from Elanga’s remarkable goal, the Tricky Trees struggled to create further chances and suffered a setback when Ola Aina had to leave the game due to injury before halftime.
The second half resumed at a high tempo, with Morgan Gibbs-White sending a shot over the bar after Alejandro Garnacho lost possession in his own half.
Garnacho attempted to rectify the situation at the other end, narrowly missing with a speculative shot before having another effort blocked by Yates in a promising position.
United displayed some impressive football but lacked the decisive touch needed to penetrate a resolute Forest defense, leaving Sels relatively unchallenged in goal.
The Belgian goalkeeper made a standard save to gather Patrick Dorgu’s header, with Fernandes playing a key role in creating another opportunity for the visitors.
Mason Mount made his return to the field for the first time since mid-December and nearly marked his comeback with a goal, as his curling shot narrowly missed the target, going just inches past the post.
Another substitute, Harry Maguire, headed Dorgu's cross wide before having a late attempt cleared off the line by Murillo, allowing Forest to secure a hard-fought victory that highlighted their impressive season, extending their unbeaten home league streak to nine matches and solidifying their position in third place.
In contrast, United faced their second consecutive away league defeat to Forest, a situation they have not encountered since 1990, leaving them in 13th place.
SportsLigue