(Football news) It took the former Manchester 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 Manchester 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.
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 to 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 Key Moments
Elanga goal vs. Manchester United (5th min, Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United)
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 meters in just nine seconds, before having the composure to beat Andre Onana in the Manchester United goal.
MAN OF THE MATCH – NECO WILLIAMS
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% Man United
Shots: Nottingham Forest 8-23 Man United
Shots on target: Nottingham Forest 2-6 Man United
Corners: Nottingham Forest 3-10 Man United
Fouls: Nottingham Forest 5-12 Man United
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