Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United – Match Preview

The Football Faithful

·1 April 2025

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Manchester United travel to Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest this evening.

Tonight’s visitors start the midweek fixtures languishing in 13th position, despite a recent upturn in form.

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The fortnight-long break offered the time for some of United’s injured players to recover. Central defenders Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are back in contention while Luke Shaw has been involved in training.

There is more positive news as Kobbie Mainoo is close to returning while Ayden Heaven’s serious-looking injury isn’t as bad as initially feared. Patrick Dorgu has served his three-match suspension and is able to be selected.

Amad remains out, although Ruben Amorim is optimistic the 22-year-old will be able to play again this season.

Nottingham Forest secured their place in the FA Cup semi-final on the weekend as they triumphed in yet another penalty shootout.

Forest top scorer Chris Wood is a major doubt for this evening’s game. A hip injury ruled the New Zealand international out of the cup tie against Brighton. Apart from Wood’s absence, Nuno Espirito Santo is operating with a full squad.

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United – Match Preview and team news

Form

Nottingham Forest: DDWWD

Forest prevailed in a third successive penalty shootout in the FA Cup to knock out Brighton on the weekend.

After the game had ended goalless, Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez failed to convert their spot-kicks for the Seagulls to send Forest to Wembley.

Their semi-final against Manchester City is scheduled for the end of the month. In the meantime, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have Champions League qualification to focus on.

The Tricky Trees are sitting in the favourable third position with a six-point buffer between them and fifth place.

It has already been a historic campaign for the club, and their hopes of ending their 35-year wait for major silverware are more than realistic.

Read – Bruno Fernandes ‘not going anywhere’ as Amorim lays down Premier League challenge

Manchester United: DDDWW

The Red Devils were enjoying their best period of the campaign before it was interrupted by the international break.

In normal time, United haven’t lost any of their last seven matches. That includes them advancing into the quarter-finals of the Europa League at the expense of Real Sociedad.

However, that run must be caveated with the fact that they lost on penalties to Fulham in round five of the FA Cup after the game had ended 1-1.

Following their trip to Nottinghamshire, Ruben Amorim and his players host the Manchester derby against their local rivals City on Sunday.

Last Meeting

Manchester United 2-3 Nottingham Forest, Premier League, 7th December 2024

Forest recorded a famous victory at Old Trafford back in December as they swept aside Manchester United.

It was a blistering start from the visitors and they broke the deadlock after just 92 seconds.

Nikola Milenkovic bullied his way through a sea of United defenders to latch onto Elliot Anderson’s corner and breach Andre Onana’s goal.

Ruben Amorim’s side grew into the game and drew themselves level in the 18th minute. Matz Sels blocked Alejandro Garnacho’s attempt but the ball trickled to the onrushing Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane had the simple task of passing into the empty net.

Forest continued to threaten from set-pieces and came inches away from retaking the lead. The diminutive Jota Silva planted a header onto the crossbar with the goalkeeper scrambling.

Minutes later, it was the hosts’ turn to strike the woodwork. Bruno Fernandes’ 25-yard free-kick took a deflection off the wall which also directed it onto the bar.

The Reds Devils were the creators of their own downfall just after the interval and gifted the opposition a quick-fire double. First, Fernandes misplaced a pass which awarded Callum Hudson-Odoi possession. The former Chelsea winger teed up Morgan Gibbs-White, who lashed an effort straight down the middle of the target. The shot somehow evaded Onana and the scorer wheeled off in celebration.

Minutes later, Chris Wood’s towering header looped over the goalkeeper and managed to sneak in off the post. Lisandro Martinez was positioned on the goal-line but decided to leave the ball thinking it was going wide. A costly error from the Argentine.

On the stroke of the hour mark, Fernandes swept home a stunning strike. Unfortunately, for the United skipper, the damage was already done and Forest travelled home with three precious points.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the City Ground will be at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 1st April 2025

Who is the referee?

Jarred Gillett will be the match official. Darren Cann and Marc Perry will assist him while Sam Barrott will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Michael Salisbury and he will be assisted by Adrian Holmes.