Premier League: Elanga's solo strike gives Forest win over Man Utd

IANS April 2, 2025 128 views

Nottingham Forest secured a pivotal 1-0 victory against Manchester United in a thrilling Premier League encounter. Anthony Elanga's early goal in the fifth minute proved to be the decisive moment at the City Ground. The win propels Forest to third place in the league standings, creating significant breathing room from their competitors. Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, continue to struggle in their campaign.

"I wanted to thank the Forest fans because they've supported me so much" - Anthony Elanga
Nottingham, April 2: Anthony Elanga’s stunning first half goal was enough for Nottingham Forest to claim three Premier League points against Manchester United at the City Ground.

Key Points

1

Elanga's five-minute goal decides high-stakes Premier League clash

2

Forest moves to third place with critical victory

3

United remains in 13th position after defeat

4

Nuno Espírito Santo continues impressive managerial run

The Forest winger stormed through the United defence with just five minutes played in NG2 to secure the win for Nuno Espírito Santo’s Reds.

Fresh from booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Nuno Espirito Santo's men took another big step towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

It was a trademark counter-attacking goal that decided the contest, with Elanga running from deep inside his own half before tucking home after only five minutes, Premier League reports.

Ruben Amorim's Red Devils applied plenty of pressure thereafter but could not find an equaliser, with Harry Maguire squandering two glorious chances late on.

Elanga dedicated his goal against Manchester United to the Nottingham Forest supporters and teammates, he said, "I wanted to thank the Forest fans because they’ve supported me so much this season and last season as well."

“It’s credit to all the players that started against Brighton and again today. Tomorrow is all about recovery because we have another big game on Saturday against Villa who are doing well as well."

Man United remain in 13th spot, while the victory took third-placed Forest eight points clear of Chelsea and nine above Manchester City ahead of their matches later this week.

"We controlled the game, but we already knew this team can score goals out of nothing. When they scored we changed the game a little bit from what they want. We tried with good opportunities, but in the last third, the last pass, the last assist wasn't there. Then if we don't have that we cannot score goals," said Man United manager Ruben Amorim.

Reader Comments

J
Jamie K.
What a goal from Elanga! That run was pure class 👏 Forest are looking dangerous this season. United's defense was caught sleeping there.
S
Sarah T.
As a United fan, this is painful to watch week after week. We had possession but zero cutting edge. Maguire missing those chances sums up our season 😔
R
Raj P.
Forest's counterattack strategy is working wonders! Elanga's pace is terrifying for defenders. Champions League football coming to City Ground next season?
M
Mike L.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses too much on United's failures rather than Forest's achievement. Nuno has done an incredible job turning them into top 4 contenders!
T
Tasha B.
Elanga showing United what they're missing! So happy for him 💛 That goal celebration with the Forest fans gave me chills. Proper football moment.
D
Derek W.
United's xG must be through the roof but no end product. Same old story. Meanwhile Forest with one chance, one goal. That's the difference right now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Premier League Nottingham Forest Manchester United Anthony Elanga Nuno Espírito Santo Football
You May Like!