Former Manchester United player Anthony Elanga scored against his old team, securing a 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest and improving their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Before the game, Manchester United`s manager Ruben Amorim had mentioned that former Old Trafford players Marcus Rashford and Antony were currently performing well while on loan.
However, it was another former Manchester United winger who scored the only goal of the match early in the game, despite the visitors dominating in almost every aspect except scoring.
TNT Sports reported that Elanga, who joined Forest in the summer of 2023, sprinted 85 meters in nine seconds before scoring past Andre Onana in the fifth minute.
If this speed is accurate, it might be argued that he could excel in athletics as well.
“Anthony Elanga, he left because you’re poor,” chanted the Forest supporters, taunting their rivals.
Despite the chants, Manchester United played well, controlling most of the game, creating numerous opportunities, and keeping the Forest fans nervous until the final whistle.
Diogo Dalot`s shot hit the crossbar in the first half, and Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount both came close to scoring in the second half.
Ultimately, Elanga’s early goal was enough for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team to win, achieving their first league double over Manchester United since the 1991-92 season under Brian Clough.
Now, Nottingham Forest needs only a few more victories to secure a place in the competition for the prestigious Champions League trophy, which Brian Clough famously won twice.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are facing the possibility of their worst league finish since their relegation 31 years ago, reminiscent of their struggles in the 1970s.
As the match began, Forest fans sang “Que Sera” to celebrate their recent penalty shootout victory against Brighton, which earned them a spot in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
This game was crucial for Nottingham Forest`s ambition to qualify for European competitions, particularly the Champions League, a tournament they won twice in the past.
They made an ideal start with a goal within the first five minutes.
Forest`s goalkeeper Matz Sels initially made an awkward save from Bruno Fernandes` 20-yard shot from outside the penalty area.
However, Forest’s counter-attack from the resulting corner was executed with precision and speed.
Despite having three defenders against two Forest attackers after their own corner, Manchester United were caught out.
Elanga`s exceptional speed and Morgan Gibbs-White`s supportive run created a two-on-two situation.
Gibbs-White’s run acted as a decoy, allowing Elanga to skillfully place the ball past Onana, while Manchester United defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu could only watch.
This was the 23rd time this season that Nottingham Forest scored first in a Premier League match, and also the 23rd time Manchester United conceded the first goal.
Despite conceding early, Manchester United started creating chances, mostly from long-range shots and corners.
Manchester United felt they were also playing against the referee, Jarred Gillett, as they believed he was not awarding them deserved free kicks.
Alejandro Garnacho avoided a yellow card for a harsh foul on Ryan Yates.
Diogo Dalot’s header from another corner hit the crossbar, and goalkeeper Sels was relieved when the referee called a foul during the ensuing scramble in the penalty area.
