1
Manchester United will take on Nottingham Forest this evening at Old Trafford, looking to extend their fine record against the Tricky Trees.
The Red Devils have won 54 of their previous encounters with Forest. The side from Nottingham have come out on top on 34 occasions.
There have been 24 draws in the history of the fixture.
United won the home match last season 3-2 but lost 2-1 at the City Ground. However, a late Casemiro goal saw them knock Forest out of the FA Cup at the fifth round stage last February by a 1-0 margin.
Here are three storylines to look forward to.
The return of Anthony Elanga
The young Swede broke through into the United first team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and gained some regular game time under Ralf Rangnick.
He played 54 times for the Old Trafford side before being sold in the summer of 2023 as he struggled to find a regular starting role for Erik ten Hag.
Elanga has found gametime significantly easier to come by since and in less than a season and a half, he has already completed 54 games for the side from the City Ground.
The 22 year old is yet to score this season but he has grabbed two assists, one coming in Forest’s famous win over Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the campaign.
Elanga will hope he can put in a performance to remind the Old Trafford crowd of his talent.
United’s fine record against Forest
The Red Devils may have lost their last Premier League game against this evening’s opponents but the history of this fixture in the Premier League has largely been one way traffic.
According to the BBC, “Nottingham Forest have lost 12 of their past 13 matches against Manchester United in all competitions.”
This domination means that they have won 7 consecutive home matches against Nottingham Forest, including the 3-2 victory last year.
What’s more, United have scored in all 14 Premier League games they have played against the Midlands team and they will hope this rich vein of form continues as they desperately need the three points after losing to Arsenal midweek.
Bruno Fernandes hopes to rely on home comforts
United’s captain Bruno Fernandes has really excelled at Old Trafford as of late and put numerous teams to the sword.
In his last 10 appearances at the Theatre of Dreams, he has scored four goals and provided seven assists.
He set up the first two goals last Sunday against Everton at Old Trafford and in total he has scored four goals and created nine goals this season.
In last season’s game at Old Trafford between these two sides, he scored a penalty and provided an assist for Casemiro as United fought back from 0-2 down to win the match 3-2.
United will aim to return to winning ways when they take on Forest tonight at 17.30 UK time.
