Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo goal secured a 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest over Manchester United on Tuesday, moving them closer to a historic Champions League qualification.
The 22-year-old winger returned to haunt his former club with a dazzling run over 70 yards, before finishing clinically into the bottom corner. Elanga, who joined United as a 12-year-old, was sold for £15million in 2023, deemed surplus to requirements by then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Forest have reaped the rewards of that decision, and his match-winning strike at the City Ground cemented Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in third place, eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea. With eight games left, Forest are on course for their first Champions League appearance since 1980/81.
Forest’s fairytale season continues
A year after narrowly avoiding relegation, Forest are enjoying a remarkable season, reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.
Despite being fatigued from their FA Cup quarter-final victory over Brighton, Nuno’s side adopted a “no excuses” policy, delivering a determined performance despite the absences of Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Forest also completed their first league double over United since 1991-92, marking another milestone in their remarkable campaign.
United’s inconsistency persists
The defeat ended United’s eight-game unbeaten run and extended their frustrating inconsistency under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils, who have yet to win back-to-back Premier League matches this season, remain in 13th place, adding more pressure ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
