Former player Anthony Elanga’s brilliant solo strike against Manchester United earned Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory at the City Ground.
The winger, who United let go in 2023, ran 85 metres to score inside six minutes to earn the Reds a huge victory in their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
United were not without their chances in a positive display for Ruben Amorim’s men but it was ultimately a 13th defeat of the season which leaves them 13th.
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Elanga sinks United
Bruno Fernandes was the first to fashion an opening after an early-taken shot from range which goalkeeper Mats Selz has to be alert for to parry away.
But a matter of seconds later, the Red Devils were behind from their own corner as former United academy graduate Elanga picked up the ball in his own half before driving forward and slotting past Andre Onana on the edge of the box.
ANTHONY ELANGA, THAT IS INCREDIBLE! ⚡
The winger scores a blistering solo goal against his former side 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9J38PnbMsV
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2025
But aside from another poor goal conceded on the counter, United did not perform badly in the first half with Diogo Dalot going closest after striking the post.
It was an entertaining clash on the City Ground though with both sides pushing for the game’s second goal before the half-time whistle sounded.
Forest hold on
The fast tempo continued after the break as Morgan Gibbs-White found space from 25 yards out but his effort lacked the accuracy required.
Alejandro Garnacho left Selz stranded with an effort but his strike flew just a few inches over the woodwork, before another went wide. Patrick Dorgu then missed a huge chance as his header was guided straight at Selz after a lovely ball in from Fernandes.
United continued to push but Forest typically stayed organised and looked a threat on the break. Substitute Mason Mount was the latest to go close but his shot went agonisingly wide.
United continued to push for an equaliser with substitue Harry Maguire coming on as a makeshift forward but the centre-back got his header all wrong as it flew off target.
There was still time for a stunning clearance off the line from Murillo to deny Maguire for a moment which got as big a cheer as Elanga’s goal. Seconds later, the City Ground erupted as they celebrated another victory in what is proving to be a simply extraordinary season.
