Nottingham Forest secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in a pulsating Premier League encounter on Saturday evening.
Making their second trip to Manchester in just a few days, the Reds were determined to put Wednesday night’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City behind them.
They did so in style, showcasing resilience, attacking flair, and defensive grit to claim a massive three points against Erik ten Hag’s side.
The Reds couldn’t have asked for a better start. With less than two minutes on the clock, Nikola Milenkovic rose highest to meet Elliot Anderson’s pinpoint corner, thundering home a bullet header to give Forest a dream start. It was the Serbian’s first goal for the club, and it set the tone for a frantic opening period.
However, United quickly responded, dominating possession and piling pressure on Forest’s backline. It seemed inevitable when Rasmus Højlund capitalised on a rebound in the 18th minute, tapping in after Matz Sels had initially denied Alejandro Garnacho.
Both teams came agonisingly close to taking the lead before halftime. Jota Silva’s header for Forest rattled the bar, while Bruno Fernandes saw his expertly taken free-kick crash off the woodwork.
Forest had to dig deep, with Ryan Yates and the midfield often overrun, but they managed to head into the break level.
Forest came out with renewed intent after the interval and wasted no time regaining the lead. Morgan Gibbs-White, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the area to put the visitors back in front.
Moments later, Forest made it 3-1. Chris Wood, on his 33rd birthday, looped a brilliant header into the net to etch his name in the history books as Forest’s all-time leading Premier League scorer with 25 goals.
United were far from finished, though. Bruno Fernandes halved the deficit on the hour mark with a precise finish, setting up a nervy final half-hour.
The hosts threw everything at Forest in the closing stages, but the Reds stood firm. Matz Sels produced key saves, and the defence, led by Ola Aina and Murillo, held their nerve to seal the victory.
Player Ratings
Matz Sels: Made some important saves as the Reds were tested at times. Not too much he could do about United’s goals but kept calm amid late pressure. Rating: 8/10
Ola Aina: Had his work cut out for much of the evening as it was all hands to the pump at times, particularly in the closing stages. Kept his composure, though, and made some good forward runs. Rating: 8.5/10
Nikola Milenkovic: Terrific header for his first goal for the club; really attacked the corner to open the scoring with aplomb. A few tricky moments defensively, though, as Forest’s backline came under pressure. Rating: 8/10
Murillo: Showcased his passing skills, including with an excellent free-kick which led to Jota’s chance. Inches away from getting on the scoresheet just before the interval. Rating: 8.5/10
Neco Williams: Deserved his recall to the XI and didn’t let the manager down. Not an easy game to come through, by any means, but played his part in a memorable victory. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Midfield was overrun in the first half as the Reds came under the cosh for a long spell. A tough 45 minutes for the skipper, but the second half was better. Rating: 7.5/10
Elliot Anderson: Set the visitors on their way with a lovely corner for Milenkovic to open the scoring from. Got through a lot of work as Forest had to weather a few storms. Rating: 8/10
Jota Silva: At the heart of much of the Reds’ positive play, particularly in an energetic first-half performance. Went close to getting on the scoresheet a couple of times, being unlucky with his header which hit the bar. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Superb strike from the edge of the D to restore Forest’s lead with his second of the season. Had been quiet up until that point, but the goal sparked him into life and he was on form in the second half. Rating: 8/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: A couple of really nice moments, setting up Gibbs-White’s goal as well as a chance for Jota in the first half. Hopefully, those passages of play can be a confidence booster. Rating: 8/10
Chris Wood: Terrific looping header to become Forest’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 25 goals. Could easily have had a hat-trick to mark his 33rd birthday as he had a couple of other big chances. Rating: 8/10
Substitutes
Morato (for Jota, 67mins): Brought on to try to help the Reds retain their lead as Nuno tweaked formation. Had to stand up to a tough test. Rating: 8/10
Nicolas Dominguez (for Gibbs-White, 78mins): Added some fresh legs late on. Forest needed that energy as it was tough going late on. Rating: 7.5/10
Anthony Elanga (for Wood, 78mins): Didn’t get much of an opportunity to make an impact against his former club. Did his bit for the team, though. Rating: 7.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Hudson-Odoi, 89mins): Barely got much of a look at the ball. Helped the Reds see out a nervy period of stoppage time, though. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Miguel, Toffolo, Ward-Prowse, Sosa, Boly.
Final Thoughts
This was a performance full of heart and determination from Nottingham Forest. Despite intense pressure from Manchester United, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side held firm and took their chances when it mattered most. The result is a massive confidence boost as Forest look to climb the Premier League table.
