Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club as Nottingham Forest edged Manchester United 1-0 in a hard-fought Premier League clash at the City Ground.
Elanga, who left United for Forest last summer, netted the decisive goal just five minutes into the match.
The Swedish winger picked up the ball deep in his own half after a cleared United corner and sprinted the length of the pitch before coolly slotting into the bottom-right corner.
United, fresh off their FA Cup semi-final qualification, struggled to break down a disciplined Forest defense.
Bruno Fernandes provided multiple dangerous deliveries, with Casemiro nodding one wide and Diogo Dalot hitting the bar with a glancing header.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, Erik ten Hag’s side lacked cutting edge. In search of an equalizer, United threw on Harry Maguire as an emergency striker.
Substitute Mason Mount curled an effort wide before Maguire squandered two late chances—one misjudged header and another denied by a last-ditch Murillo clearance.
The result sees United remain 13th in the table, continuing their underwhelming league campaign. Meanwhile, Forest, under Nuno EspÃrito Santo, took a major step towards Champions League qualification, extending their lead over Chelsea to eight points and Manchester City to nine—though both have games in hand.
For United, the pressure mounts as their season teeters on disappointment. For Forest, it’s a statement win in their European pursuit.
