Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United: Anthony Elanga's solo goal earns big win in race for Champions League | OneFootball

Forest complete first-ever Premier League double over Red Devils

Nottingham Forest have taken another giant step towards Champions League qualification after completing a Premier League double over Manchester United.

It completes a sensational four days for the Tricky Trees after sealing a place in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend by beating Brighton on penalties. Now it’s looking very likely they will be back at Europe’s top table next season as the points help consolidate third spot before rivals such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle play.

As for the Red Devils, they are still waiting to record back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season, though this defeat is their first - in 90 minutes - across any competition since losing away to Tottenham in February.

Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo made just the one change from the FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton with Anthony Elanga replacing Nicolas Dominguez.

A decision that paid off inside the opening five minutes. From defending a corner one moment to celebrating the opening goal the next, Elanga raced the entire length of the pitch, ignored Morgan Gibbs-White to his left before finding the bottom corner with a fine finish.

There were muted celebrations from Elanga, presumably out of respect for his former club, but it was a dream start for his current employers.

In truth, United’s response was impressive and they were slightly unfortunate to have gone in at the break behind after Bruno Fernandes was twice denied by Mats Sels, Diogo Dalot was denied by the crossbar and Casemiro planted a header wide.

In an attempt to get something from the game, Amorim sent on Hojlund at the start of the second half. Though it was another substitute in Harry Maguire who had United’s best chance as he, maybe unsighted, could only head the ball well wide from right in front of the goal.

Then with virtually the final kick off the game, Murillo produced a last-ditch clearance off the line to deny Maguire an equaliser as the hosts held on to record a first double over Man United in the Premier League era.

The one negative for Forest was the sight of Ola Aina limping straight down the tunnel in the first-half. Already without top scorer Chris Wood, Nuno will be hopeful the Nigeria international’s injury is not too serious especially with an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon.