Ryan Yates on ‘special’ win after Nottingham Forest after do league double over Man Utd | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates has praised his teammates for continuing their “special” season after beating Manchester United 1-0.

Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo goal after five minutes against his former side condemned United to their 13th Premier League defeat of the season, with Forest consolidating their place inside the top four with their 17th win of the campaign.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men dug deep for the win with United unable to breakthrough the Forest backline despite having 24 shots. Victory for the Midlands side sees them move nine points clear of fifth placed Manchester City with eight games remaining.

After securing a place in the FA Cup semi-finals thanks to a penalty shootout win over Brighton on Saturday and now getting yet another vital league victory, Yates could not be prouder of what his side is achieving this season.

“Special, after a massive performance,” Yates said. “120 minutes the other day – it is unbelievable. The determination, fans were incredible and buzzing to keep the run going. We’re having a great season.

“The past two seasons were about staying up, keeping our head above water, and we have got that momentum at the minute.

“He [Elanga] is a dream for a midfielder. Especially us sitting in that low-block – you can give him the ball and he does the rest.

“I don’t want to say [Champions League qualification] as football is so cruel. We have got the cup to focus on and we have got the league. We are at Villa Park Saturday and they’re flying. We take each game as it comes.”