Anthony Elanga's blistering counterattack goal sealed a triumphant 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest against his former club Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday. The match underscored Forest's remarkable rise under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and deepened United's season-long struggles.
Elanga, who departed Old Trafford in 2022, electrified the City Ground with a fifth-minute solo effort, sprinting nearly 70 yards before slotting past goalkeeper Andre Onana. The goal marked Forest’s 23rd opening strike this season – a league high – while United’s defensive woes continued, having conceded first in 18 matches across competitions.
United pressed for an equalizer, with Diogo Dalot’s header rattling the crossbar and substitute Mason Mount missing a late chance. However, their disjointed attack struggled to break through Forest’s disciplined backline. Defender Murillo’s stoppage-time goal-line clearance preserved the win, lifting Forest to third place, eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea.
“The City Ground was our 12th man tonight,” said Nuno, praising his team’s resilience. “The boys are rewriting history.” For United manager Ruben Amorim, the defeat highlighted recurring issues: “We lacked precision in the final third. Without that edge, goals won’t come.”
The result edges Forest closer to a potential Champions League berth, a feat unseen since 1979, while United remain languishing in 13th – their worst mid-season position in 34 years.
