EPL LIVE: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United — All the Action, Line-ups, and Key Moments from the City Ground
The Premier League returns with a high-energy fixture as Nottingham Forest host Manchester United at the City Ground on Saturday, November 1, 2025. It’s a clash filled with intrigue, passion, and ambition — two clubs with vastly different expectations but equally determined to leave their mark. For Forest, this is about pride, points, and proving they belong among the league’s competitive mid-table teams. For United, it’s another opportunity to continue their resurgence under Ruben Amorim and stay within touching distance of the top four.
With the atmosphere electric and both sets of supporters roaring their sides on, the stage is set for a gripping afternoon of football in the East Midlands. Let’s take a closer look at everything happening live from Nottingham.
—
Kick-off and Pre-Match Atmosphere
The City Ground is buzzing. The home fans, decked in red and white, create a cauldron of noise as the teams step out onto the pitch. The travelling Manchester United supporters, loud as ever, belt out chants in support of their team, confident of another strong display following recent improved performances under Amorim’s system.
The conditions are perfect for football — cool weather, a slick pitch, and an expectant crowd. As the players take their positions, the energy inside the stadium is palpable.
—
Confirmed Starting Line-ups
Nottingham Forest (4-3-3):
Matz Sels; Neco Williams, Murillo, Omobamidele, Ola Aina; Nicolás Domínguez, Ryan Yates, Morgan Gibbs-White; Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga.
Subs: Turner, Niakhaté, Tavares, Mangala, Danilo, Montiel, Origi, Awoniyi, Felipe.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes (captain), Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Šeško.
Subs: Bayındır, Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Amad, Pellistri, Garnacho, Højlund.
The announcement of the line-ups draws immediate attention — Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško both start for United, signaling a bold attacking approach. For Forest, Anthony Elanga starts against his former club, eager to make an impression.
—
First Half — United Dominate Possession
The match kicks off, and United immediately take control of possession. Amorim’s side are confident, building from the back through Martínez and de Ligt, with Casemiro dropping deep to orchestrate play. Bruno Fernandes operates centrally, constantly demanding the ball and trying to dictate the tempo.
Forest, meanwhile, sit compact in their shape, looking to spring forward on the counter through Elanga and Hudson-Odoi. The home side’s early plan is clear — defend in numbers and exploit United’s high line.
The first real chance falls to United in the 12th minute. Rashford picks up the ball on the left, cuts inside, and curls a right-footed effort just wide of Sels’ far post. Moments later, Bruno slips a clever pass into Šeško, but the striker’s shot is saved by the onrushing goalkeeper.
Forest grow into the game around the 20-minute mark. Gibbs-White starts to find pockets of space, threading passes toward Chris Wood. Their first big opportunity comes when Hudson-Odoi beats Dalot on the flank and delivers a teasing cross — Wood rises high but heads just over.
The tension builds as both teams look for an opener. United’s pressing intensity begins to tell; Cunha’s work rate forces mistakes from Forest’s defenders. On the half-hour mark, United’s dominance is rewarded.
—
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0–1 Manchester United (Bruno Fernandes, 31′)
Bruno Fernandes, once again, leads by example. After a spell of sustained pressure, Rashford darts into the box and squares the ball back across goal. It ricochets off a defender, landing perfectly at Bruno’s feet, and the captain makes no mistake — smashing it into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.
The United fans erupt in the away end, singing his name. Amorim applauds calmly from the touchline, knowing his plan is working.
After the goal, United continue to dominate possession. Forest try to respond through Gibbs-White, who dribbles cleverly and wins a free-kick just outside the box. Hudson-Odoi’s resulting effort flies narrowly wide, a reminder that the hosts remain dangerous.
The first half ends with United ahead but not entirely comfortable. Forest’s direct play and energy ensure the visitors must stay focused.
—
Half-Time: Nottingham Forest 0–1 Manchester United
At the break, Amorim’s side lead through Fernandes’ goal, but Forest have shown enough fight to keep things interesting. Amorim encourages composure from his players, emphasizing control and patience. Dyche, on the other hand, urges his men to be more aggressive and take risks in transition.
—
Second Half — Forest Fight Back
Forest come out for the second half full of intent. The crowd lifts them, and their pressing becomes more coordinated. Within five minutes, they earn a series of corners, testing United’s defence.
Then comes the equalizer.
—
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 1–1 Manchester United (Anthony Elanga, 56′)
Of all the possible scorers, it’s the former Manchester United winger who strikes. Elanga pounces on a loose ball after a deflection from Wood’s header and fires past Onana from close range. He refuses to celebrate, showing respect to his old club, but the City Ground erupts in jubilation.
The goal changes the tempo entirely. Forest sense vulnerability, while United regroup to reassert control. Amorim instructs his side to press higher and bring Cunha more centrally to create overloads.
The next 15 minutes are tense. Bruno tries to rally his teammates, gesturing constantly and urging faster movement. Rashford and Shaw link well down the left, creating chances, but Sels stands firm.
—
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 1–2 Manchester United (Benjamin Šeško, 72′)
Amorim’s decision to trust Šeško pays off. The Slovenian striker finds space between Forest’s centre-backs to head home a pinpoint cross from Cunha. It’s a brilliant, powerful finish — and a reminder of why Amorim values his presence in the box.
Šeško celebrates passionately with his teammates as Amorim pumps his fists on the sideline. United are back in front, and this time they look determined to see it through.
—
Final Stages — Amorim’s Game Management
In the final 15 minutes, Amorim introduces fresh legs. McTominay replaces Mainoo to reinforce midfield, while Wan-Bissaka comes on for Dalot to strengthen the right side defensively. Garnacho also enters late on to stretch Forest’s tiring defenders on the counter.
Forest push forward desperately, with Wood and Awoniyi both going close in the dying minutes. However, Martínez and de Ligt remain resolute, clearing everything that comes their way. Onana makes one crucial save in stoppage time to deny Gibbs-White’s curling shot, preserving United’s lead.
—
Full-Time: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Manchester United
As the referee blows for full-time, Manchester United secure a hard-fought win at the City Ground. Bruno Fernandes, Šeško, and Cunha emerge as the standout performers, while Forest’s spirited display — led by Elanga’s emotional goal — earns them respect despite defeat.
For United, this victory represents another step forward in Amorim’s rebuilding process. They controlled large portions of the game, showed resilience after being pegged back, and demonstrated the attacking chemistry between Fernandes, Cunha, and Šeško that fans have longed to see.
Forest, though disappointed, can take positives from their effort and organization. Dyche’s men remain a tough side to beat at home and will look to bounce back quickly.
—
Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese captain delivered once again. A goal, leadership, creativity, and relentless energy — Fernandes was involved in almost every attacking move, dictating the game’s rhythm and inspiring those around him.
—
Final Verdict
It was an engaging, tactical battle full of intensity and heart. Amorim’s Manchester United showed maturity and quality, while Nottingham Forest fought valiantly but fell short.
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Manchester United
Goals: Elanga (56’) — Fernandes (31’), Šeško (72’)
A vital three points for the Red Devils, and a statement performance from Amorim’s evolving squad, as they continue to march confidently into the heart of the Premier League season.
Leave a Reply