Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man United result: Anthony Elanga's superb solo goal maintains Forest’s push to qualify for Europe

Anthony Elanga struck a sensational solo goal against his former club as Nottingham Forest bolstered their Champions League hopes with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at the City Ground.

The Swedish winger seized upon a clearance from a Red Devils corner and ran from box to box before flashing a superb finish into the corner on five minutes.

Man United bossed possession but could not find the equaliser prior to the break with Diogo Dalot seeing a looping header come back off the crossbar.

The visitors continued to ask questions in the second period with Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount both going close before substitute Harry Maguire headed a gilt-edged chance wide and then saw a shot cleared off the line by Murillo deep into stoppage time.

The result sees third-placed Forest move eight points clear of Chelsea in fourth ahead of the rest of the midweek Premier League action.

Man United remain 13th after losing their 13th league game of a difficult campaign.

Next up, Forest visit Aston Villa on Saturday evening in a key battle in the push for Europe while Man United have the small matter of the derby when Ruben Amorim’s men host Man City on Sunday. 

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TNT SPORTS EXPERT RIO FERDINAND REACTS TO ANOTHER FOREST WIN
"(It's) unreal spirit at this football. I’ve said before on numerous occasions, the connection between the fans and the players spills on to the pitch. That last clearance there sums up this team. They believe in each other, they trust each other and take on the responsibility as individuals in the team."

Ferdinand added: "They are in a great position, third in the table and it’s absolutely warranted."

Forest’s incredible season continues!

FA Cup success in reaching a Wembley semi-final on Saturday followed by another vital win in midweek here as part of their bid to qualify for Champions League football next season.

The result means Forest secure a first league double of United since 1992 and stretches their unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.

The defeat was harsh on United who dominated for much of the contest. However, they remain one of only three teams yet to win back-to-back PL this season, along with Ipswich Town and Southampton.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man United.

TNT Sports' co-commentator Ally McCoist sums up the match on-the-whistle: "Anthony Elanga, what a goal to win a game of football. From then on, there was never a dull moment. United, I thought they played well, but they didn't create enough."

Murillo clears off the line after Maguire thought he had tucked past Sels when a cross had fallen into his path.

It's one-way traffic.

United are throwing the kitchen sink at the hosts but time is running out to find that elusive equaliser.

Maguire heads Dorgu's cross from the left byline wide from close range.

It could so easily be all square!

Six minutes added.

Maguire on for Yoro.

It looks like the defender will go up top!

Third-placed Forest would move eight points clear of Chelsea in fourth ahead of the rest of the midweek Premier League action.

Man United would remain 13th after losing their 13th league game of a difficult campaign.

Awoniyi and Elanga off.

Sangare and Sosa on.

Elanga surges onto a pass down the right, burns away from Yoro and then tumbles 25 yards from goal after a last-ditch lunge from the defender.

The referee and his assistant both say Yoro got the ball.

Forest aren't happy!

The hosts come again a moment later but Awoniyi's shot inside the area is well blocked before Yates volleys well wide from 25 yards.

Mount curves inches wide of the far post from 20-yards out after Milenkovic had rushed a clearance straight into the Unired substitute's path.

Mount on for Zirkzee.

Eriksen booked for tugging back Elanga as he threatened to go on another one of those surges on the break.

The hosts just can't seem to keep the ball for a significant period of time.

United are pressing with their latest attack ending with Dorgu's header being well fielded by Sels.

Another switch of play sees United find Garnacho is space again, but this time his 25-yard shot is way off target and gets some ironic cheers from the Forest faithful.

Williams booked for a tired-looking lunge on Garnacho.