Nottingham Forest took a major step toward Champions League qualification as Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo effort secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday.
Elanga, who left United in 2023 for £15 million ($19 million), made his former club regret their decision by sprinting over half the pitch before slotting home a clinical finish.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side is now solidly in third place, eight points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea, who face Tottenham on Thursday. With just eight games remaining, Forest is on course for its first Champions League appearance since the 1980-81 season.
Just a year after barely avoiding relegation, Forest’s dream season continues. They have also reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.
Forest’s Dominance Over United
Despite fatigue from Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton—where they won on penalties—Forest refused to make excuses. Missing key players like top scorer Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi, they rose to the challenge and completed their first league double over United since 1991-92.
United, who had not lost in their previous eight matches, continue their struggle for consistency. They remain stuck in 13th place under Ruben Amorim, ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Elanga’s Electric Performance
In a charged atmosphere at the City Ground, Elanga ignited the crowd with his early fifth-minute strike. United’s failure to capitalize on a corner allowed Elanga to break free from deep inside his own half. Covering 85 meters in just nine seconds, he shrugged off Alejandro Garnacho’s challenge and drilled a precise shot past Andre Onana.
United’s defensive frailties remain a glaring issue, as only relegation-threatened Leicester has conceded more opening goals in the Premier League this season.
United’s Missed Opportunities
United had their chances to respond. Bruno Fernandes’ header from a Diogo Dalot cross was saved by Matz Sels, while Casemiro wasted a golden opportunity, heading wide from a corner. Dalot struck the bar, and Matthijs de Ligt’s rebound effort was also denied.
Second-half substitute Rasmus Hojlund failed to make an impact, while Garnacho’s long-range effort and Mason Mount’s near-miss highlighted United’s frustration.
Harry Maguire almost salvaged a point, but his close-range shot was cleared off the line by Murillo, sealing a historic win for Forest.
Forest’s Champions League Dream Lives On
Forest’s resilience and attacking flair have set them on a path to an extraordinary finish. With their first-ever Premier League top-four finish within reach, Nuno’s side continues to defy expectations.