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.
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.
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 ...
