How Nottingham Forest players rated in their 1-0 triumph over Manchester United | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest is one step closer to securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season after a brilliant 1-0 win over Manchester United at the City Ground. Anthony Elanga’s early goal was the difference as they continued their fantastic season. The home side came into the match after reaching the FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1991.

The win on Tuesday made it a double for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side over Manchester United in the Premier League. In the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, they won 3-2 against Ruben Amorim’s side.

The match began with Manchester United having the majority of possession. However, it was the home side that looked dangerous. Anthony Elanga scored against his former side from a Manchester United corner after a brilliant solo run. Ola Aina, taken off as a result of injury, was a setback for Forest, who had already missed Woods. As a result of that change, they shifted to a back five, with Danilo also subbed off. Alex Moreno and Morato were brought on respectively.

The rest of the first half continued with the visitors having most of the ball and trying shots. The closest they came was Diogo Dalot’s header, which hit the crossbar, followed by a shot from Matthijs de Ligt that was saved by Matz Sels. Forest had a couple of quick breaks but nothing came of them as half-time was called with a 1-0 lead for the hosts.

In the second half, Forest saw much more of the ball. Despite United creating a few chances, nothing came closer. However, in the final seconds of the match, Harry Maguire thought he had equalized, but the ball was cleared off the line by Murillo as Forest held on to the 1-0 victory.

Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Matz Sels – 7.5/10

Kept the ball out multiple times throughout the match. Never looked in any trouble and was on top throughout.

Ola Aina – 6/10

Took a knock in the first half and was substituted. Solid until then, holding off United, especially Dorgu.

Nikola Milenkovic – 7/10

Good recovery in the first-half injury time to stop Garnacho. Made a lot of clearances and was solid as expected.

Murillo – 7.5/10

Strong at the back. Cleared the ball off the line in the final seconds. Another top game from the defender.

Neco Williams – 6.5/10

Did well to contain Garnacho and Dalot’s threats before being shifted to the right flank after Aina’s injury. Went forward a few times after moving to right wing-back and defended well.

Ryan Yates – 7/10

The skipper provided the assist for Elanga before his goal. Won many battles in the middle and stopped Garnacho multiple times in the second half.

Elliot Anderson – 6.5/10

Recycled the ball well and made eight final-third passes. Did well defensively but was taken off in the second half.

Anthony Elanga – 8/10

A great run with the ball from a United corner to score a brilliant solo goal. Caused a lot of trouble to United’s backline with his runs. Completed most dribbles and won most duels in the match.

Morgan Gibbs-White – 6.5/10

Not his usual best but he was involved in everything going forward, and worked hard.

Danilo – 5/10

Started ahead of Hudson-Odoi, who missed the match due to personal reasons, but couldn’t influence much. Subbed off five minutes before half-time due to tactical changes after Aina’s injury.

Taiwo Awoniyi – 6/10

Did his part to be available for teammates and hold onto the ball but struggled to keep the ball moving forward during quick breaks.

Sub: Alex Moreno – 6/10 (On 39’ for Ola Aina)

Went forward a few times from his wing-back position and did well defensively.

Sub: Morato – 5.5/10 (On 40’ for Danilo)

Introduced as they moved to a back five. Defended decently.

Sub: Nicolás Domínguez – 6.5/10 (On 67’ for Elliot Anderson)

Held the ball well and brought a lot of energy to a tired Nottingham Forest side.

Sub: Ramon Sosa – 6/10 (On 85’ for Anthony Elanga)

Did what was asked of him well.

Sub: Ibrahim Sangaré – 5.5/10 (On 86’ for Taiwo Awoniyi)

Another player brought on to add energy to a tiring side.

Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo – 8/10

Another win added to the tally. Did well to adjust to not being able to call their top scorer. Had a plan to use the space effectively with speedy players. Adjusted to Aina’s injury by switching to a back five. Substitutes did their job well, adding energy to a tiring squad.