Man United v Nottingham Forest
Premier League
Fixture Date – Sunday 17 May 2026
Kick-off – 3pm
Old Trafford, Manchester

Here’s a detailed look at the history and key facts of Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest, a rivalry stretching over a century:

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⚽ Historical Head‑to‑Head

• The two clubs have faced each other 114 times in all competitions. Manchester United leads with 54 wins, Nottingham Forest has 36, and there have been 24 draws

• Their first meeting was in October 1892, when United were known as Newton Heath. Forest won at United’s ground three months later, while United recorded their first victory in 1907 (4–0)

• One of the most notorious results came in February 1999, when United thrashed Forest 8–1 away—marking their record Premier League win over the Tricky Trees

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🏆 Significant Matches & Memorable Moments

• 1992 League Cup Final: United defeated Forest 1–0 at Wembley on 12 April. Brian McClair scored the decisive goal in front of nearly 77,000 fans—United’s first ever League Cup triumph.

• In December 2022, United beat Forest 3–0 at Old Trafford with goals from Rashford, Martial, and Fred, dominating possession and performance

• Also at Old Trafford in August 2023, United won 3–2 after a tight contest, with Forest posing stern threats

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🔥 Recent Premier League Encounters

• On 7 December 2024, Nottingham Forest caused a major upset by winning 3–2 at Old Trafford. Forest took an early lead and never looked back. This astonished many as it was Forest’s first win at United since 1994

• Then on 1 April 2025, Anthony Elanga—formerly of United—scored the only goal with a dramatic solo run to seal a 1–0 win at the City Ground. With this result, Forest completed a rare league double over United, for the first time since 1992. Elanga was named Man of the Match for his defining role

• Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest continued their revival, finishing strongly in the 2024–25 Premier League and securing European qualification for the first time in 30 years

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📊 Record Summary at a Glance

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🧠 Riveting Facts & Context

• Forest went nearly 30 years without a league win at Old Trafford before their 2024 success, and doubled up in the 2024–25 season by winning again at the City Ground

• Elanga’s goal in April 2025 was widely praised as a flashback to classic United counterattacks, showing what Forest gained from signing the ex-Red Devils academy product in 2023

• Under United manager Rúben Amorim, questions were raised about psychological edges after footage showed Amorim scoring past a young Espírito Santo during his playing days—fans still reference it jokingly ahead of recent meetings

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✅ Final Thoughts

This fixture has evolved from a lopsided rivalry to a much closer rivalry in recent seasons. Nottingham Forest’s resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo has shifted the balance, with recent wins at both home and away venues. United still hold the overall edge historically, but current form shows this matchup is increasingly competitive and unpredictable.

📅 Match Details

1. Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United

   • Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025

   • Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham

   • Kick-off: 15:00 UK time (15:00 UTC)
     

2. Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest

   • Date: Sunday, 17 May 2026

   • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

   • Kick-off: 15:00 UK time (15:00 UTC)

   • Hospitality: Eventmasters

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📝 Context & What to Expect

• Mid-season opener in Nottingham: The first meeting in Nottingham on 1 November 2025 is a mid-table fixture that could prove pivotal, especially for momentum as the league progresses.
  

• Final-day showdown at Old Trafford: The reverse fixture on 17 May 2026 could carry significant stakes—possibly impacting final league positions or European qualification.
  ([source: Manchester United schedule announcement]

 

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