Danilo awful, Anthony Elanga brilliant – Nottingham Forest ratings v Man United
Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club as Nottingham Forest secured an important victory against Man United at The City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who Forest are trying to tie down to a new deal, took another step towards bringing Champions League football to Nottingham next season with a 1-0 win against the Red Devils.
After a mix-up at a corner, Elanga broke free, running almost the entire length of the pitch before blasting an effort past Andre Onana, scoring his sixth goal of the Premier League season.
It was a rather feisty second-half affair at The City Ground, with Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Neco Williams, and Christian Eriksen booked, and the atmosphere was enough to put United off pulling off a comeback victory.
Mason Mount had a key chance to equalise, having replaced Joshua Zirkzee for the final 15 minutes, but Ruben Amorim‘s side were forced to travel back to Old Trafford empty-handed.
Matz Sels – 6
Sels has been a hero for Forest in recent weeks, making another handful of important saves to complete the Premier League double over the Red Devils.
Ola Aina (Off for Alex Moreno 39′) – 5
Was unable to do much before being replaced at 39 minutes. It will be a huge worry for Forest, who are preparing for an FA Cup semi-final clash against Man City.
Nikola Milenkovic – 8
Yet another extremely dominant display from the Serbian national, who has only gone from strength to strength since his move from Fiorentina. Had the fewest touches of any player to play 90 minutes but won all of his duels.
Murillo – 8
Lost a few too many duels throughout the game, but after lifting a clearance off the goalline in the closing stages, it has become clear exactly why Chelsea were interested in Murillo’s signature.
Neco Williams – 5
The Welshman has been one of Forest’s most consistent players this season, and after Williams was disappointed with the FA Cup win against Brighton, he was not quite himself on the night.
Ryan Yates – 7
Grabbed the assist for Forest’s opener and broke up United’s midfield perfectly, showcasing exactly what he brings to Espirito Santo’s side as the club captain.
Elliot Anderson (Off for Nicolas Dominguez 67′) – 6
The 22-year-old was a shadow of the midfielder who helped Forest over the line against Brighton in the FA Cup, and was likely puffing after another shift so he needed to be replaced with 20 minutes left.
Anthony Elanga stars yet again in key Nottingham Forest win
Anthony Elanga (Off for Ramon Sosa 86′) – 9 – Man of the Match
Wow. Another bright display from the Sweden international, who travelled the entire length of the pitch to fire home the opener against his former team, sending The City Ground into pandemonium.
Morgan Gibbs-White – 4
The influential midfielder was quiet in the middle of the park, but instead of his head dropping, he continued to push his team forward and try to make more chances. Had strong words with Milenkovic as tempers frayed. Not at his best.
Danilo (Off for Morato 40′) – 2
Having only played an hour during the FA Cup clash, Danilo did little to impress again, having to be replaced before the half-time break due to some tactical changes.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Off for Ibrahim Sangare 86′) – 5
Battled his hardest with limited service in the final third, but with Chris Wood absent, Forest are never able to make the same impact in front of goal. He can sometimes be a difficult watch.
Nuno Espirito Santo clearly missing Chris Wood in final third
Subsitutes
Alex Moreno (On for Aina 39′) – 6
Rarely put a foot wrong despite limited action over the last few weeks. Will have provided his manager will some confidence should Aina be sidelined long-term.
Morato (On for Danilo 40′) – 6
Was unlucky not to score in the first-half, seeing his header saved. Had little else to do with Milenkovic and Murillo covering.
Nicolas Dominguez (On for Anderson 67′) – 5
Made an ideal impact defensively, winning his necessary challenges, but he struggled to move the ball forward and help his side push for another goal to seal all three points.
Ibrahim Sangare (On for Awoniyi 86′) – N/A
Ramon Sosa (On for Elanga 86′) – N/A