Anthony Elanga returns to haunt Man Utd as Nottingham Forest take major step towards UCL

Anthony Elanga returns to haunt Man Utd as Nottingham Forest take major step towards UCL

Anthony Elanga's early strike against his former club handed Nottingham Forest a massive 1-0 win over Manchester United, further cementing their remarkable season and boosting their Champions League ambitions.

The Swedish winger, who left Old Trafford two years ago to make way for Antony, certainly had a point to prove, as he produced a clinical breakaway goal just five minutes in, sending the City Ground into raptures.

Forest, buoyed by the confidence of their impressive season, continued to control the tempo from the off. Elanga's goal came after a brilliant solo run that saw him charge from deep within his own half, easily evading United's sluggish defense before calmly slotting past a stranded David De Gea. It was a goal that spoke volumes about Forest's predatory instincts - their 23rd opening goal in the league this season, the most of any team.

United, on the other hand, looked disjointed from the start. Diogo Dalot came close with a header that crashed against the crossbar, but there was little else to excite the away supporters. As time ticked on, Mason Mount's late effort fizzed wide, leaving United's lack of cutting edge all too apparent. Despite a couple of tactical changes from manager Ruben Amorim, including the introduction of Rasmus Højlund, the visitors were unable to break down a resolute Forest defense.

A late scare in stoppage time saw Harry Maguire's header cleared off the line by Forest's Murillo, but it wasn't enough to prevent Forest from collecting all three points. The result sees Nuno Espírito Santo's side extend their incredible form, now eight points clear of Chelsea in fourth, and well within reach of securing a top-four finish and a return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in 45 years.

For United, this was a crushing defeat. Amorim was left frustrated after watching his team control possession but fail to break through in the final third. "We had good opportunities, but the final ball just wasn't there. Without that, we can't score goals," said the United boss.

This marks United's first league loss in five matches, but it also highlights their persistent struggles. With their attack still sputtering, their 13th league defeat of the campaign leaves them languishing in 13th place, closer to relegation-threatened sides than the top of the table.

Forest, meanwhile, are soaring. With Elanga's early strike, they earned a vital win and are now just a few steps away from securing a return to the Champions League. Nuno summed it up perfectly: "We suffered, we worked hard, and we believed. The City Ground was absolutely electric today."