— Forest claimed an historic win over Man Utd
Nottingham Forest claim back-to-back Premier League wins under new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Man Utd were offered route back into game by Matt Turner as Marcus Rashford cancelled out Nicolas Dominguez's opener but Morgan Gibbs-White sealed win.
Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United for the first time since 1994 as Morgan Gibbs-White’s late strike sealed a 2-1 win at the City Ground after yet another dire performance from Erik ten Hag's side.
Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner appeared to have given Man Utd a route back into the game when his poor pass was capitalised on by Marcus Rashford, scoring his first league goal from open play since September 1, after Nicolas Dominguez's second-half opener.
Team news
Antony replaced the absent Rasmus Hojlund as Man Utd's only change. The striker was missing due to illness.
Nottingham Forest made two changes, bringing Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez into the team.
As Man Utd chased what would have been an undeserved winner, Forest caught them on the break to clinch the victory just four minutes later. Gibbs-White's first-time strike from the edge of the box - set up by former United forward Anthony Elanga - the only piece of real quality in an otherwise poor game.
Forest have now won back-to-back games under new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone. Man Utd, meanwhile, are winless in five games on the road and remain nine points off fourth.
Player ratings
Nottingham Forest: Turner (4), Montiel (7), Niakhate (6), Murillo (6), Aina (6), Danilo (7), Yates (7), Gibbs-White (8), Dominguez (8), Elanga (7), Wood (6).
Subs: Williams (6), Hudson-Odoi (6), Mangala (N/A), Toffolo, (N/A), Boly (N/A).
Man Utd: Onana (5), Wan-Bissaka (5), Varane (5), Evans (5), Dalot (6), Mainoo (5), Eriksen (5), Fernandes (5), Antony (5), Rashford (6), Garnacho (5).
Subs: McTominay (5), Amad (5), Regulion (N/A).
Player of the match: Morgan Gibbs-White.
Man Utd's defeat in stats
Manchester United have lost 21 games in all competitions in 2023 - only in 1930 (28), 1972 (25) and 1921 (24) have they ever lost more in a calendar year.
Nottingham Forest have won consecutive Premier League games for the first time since January. Indeed, they'd won just one of their previous 14 before this.
This result ended Manchester United's 11-game winning run against Nottingham Forest in all competitions, while it's the first time they've lost their final Premier League game in a calendar year since 2011 (2-3 v Blackburn Rovers).
Manchester United have lost as many as nine of their opening 20 league games to a season for the first time since 1989-90. Indeed, their nine defeats so far this term is as many as they suffered in the whole of 2022-23.
Anthony Elanga has been involved in four goals in his last three Premier League games (1 goal, 3 assists), while he's had a hand in more goals than any other Nottingham Forest player this season (10 - 4 goals, 6 assists).
What's next?
Nottingham Forest are next in action when hosting Championship side Blackpool in the FA Cup on January 7, before a trip to Brentford beckons when Premier League duty resumes on January 20, kick-off 5.30pm.
Manchester United's respective FA Cup third round tie takes place on January 8 against Wigan Athletic, before hosting Tottenham live on Super Sunday on January 14; kick-off 4.30pm.
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