Nottingham Forest secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground on April 1, 2025, thanks to an early goal from Anthony Elanga. The victory marked Forest's first league double over United since the 1991-92 season, a feat that has sent their supporters into raptures as they push for a Champions League spot.
Elanga, who spent time at United before making the switch to Forest, opened the scoring in just the fifth minute. After a defensive clearance from Ryan Yates, Elanga picked up the ball and embarked on a breathtaking 85-meter run, expertly weaving through United’s defense before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. "I headed it in the six-yard box," Yates joked about his assist, highlighting the team's camaraderie and spirit.
Despite the early setback, Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. The visitors had several opportunities to equalize but were met with a resolute Forest defense. Harry Maguire had a chance to score in the dying moments of the game, but his shot was cleared off the line by Murillo, preserving Forest's narrow lead. "It was huge for us, better than a goal, wasn’t it?" Forest’s head coach Nuno Espírito Santo said, reflecting on the crucial clearance.
Manchester United's performance was marred by missed chances and a lack of attacking bite. Alejandro Garnacho, in particular, faced criticism for his lackluster display, receiving a low rating of 2 from pundits. He struggled to make an impact and was booked for kicking the ball away in frustration. Bruno Fernandes, usually a key figure for United, managed to test Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels early on but was largely ineffective as the match progressed.
United's defense also faced scrutiny, particularly Noussair Mazraoui, who was criticized for his failure to engage Elanga during the goal. His performance earned him a dismal rating of 3, while other defenders like Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot fared better, both scoring 7 for their efforts. Dalot notably hit the woodwork with a header in the first half, showcasing United's inability to capitalize on their chances.
As the match wore on, United made tactical changes, introducing Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen in an attempt to turn the tide. However, these substitutions did little to change the outcome. Despite a few promising moments, including a close effort from Mason Mount on his return to the pitch, United failed to find the back of the net.
With the win, Nottingham Forest solidified their position in the Premier League, sitting third and now ten points clear of Newcastle, who are in sixth place with two games in hand. The victory also comes just days after Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1991, further adding to the club's momentum.
Forest's supporters were in high spirits, celebrating their team's achievements on and off the pitch. The atmosphere at the City Ground was electric, with fans chanting, "We’re going to Wembley!" as they looked forward to the upcoming FA Cup match. The joy was palpable, especially after witnessing their team’s hard-fought victory against a once-mighty United side that has struggled this season.
The match ended with a score of 1-0, and as the final whistle blew, the home fans erupted in celebration. Fireworks lit up the night sky above Trent Bridge, marking a memorable night for Forest. As the players embraced, Nuno Espírito Santo expressed his pride in the team, stating, "We are delighted. This is a huge win for us, and it showcases the heart and belief of our players. We have to keep this momentum going."
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup and reassess their strategies. Nottingham Forest will aim to maintain their form as they chase European football, while Manchester United must find a way to turn their season around after suffering their 13th defeat of the campaign. With the Premier League title race heating up and teams vying for European spots, every match will be crucial in the weeks to come.
