Nottingham Forest – Manchester United: Elanga Punishes United In Transition (1-0)

Former Manchester United man Anthony Elanga scored the decisive goal early on here with a superb counter-attacking solo effort. Forest defended astutely, although United created chances with their width-focused approach in the second half. Ultimately though, United were not able to convert their chances to equalize.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Nottingham Forest advanced into the FA Cup semi-finals at the weekend, prevailing on penalties after a tricky tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. Manchester United meanwhile had shown signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim prior to the international break as they put their focus on the Europa League.

Nuno Espírito Santo lined his side up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with a back four of Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, and Neco Williams. Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson formed a double pivot, while Anthony Elanga was the one change to the lineup from last time out, replacing Nicolás Domínguez on the right of midfield. Danilo started on the left, while Morgan Gibbs-White supported striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Amorim went with his usual 3-4-3 system, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui in the back three. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu were the wing-backs, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte partnered in central midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho then played behind Joshua Zirkzee . . .