Manchester United survived a late scare to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford in an entertaining Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, as the hosts strengthened their grip on third place with just one game left to play this season.
The home side made the perfect start and were ahead inside five minutes through Luke Shaw. The defender, scoring his first league goal in more than three years, latched onto a loose ball in the box before firing beyond Matz Sels to give United early control.
Forest struggled to settle in the opening stages as United dominated possession and pushed for a second goal, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield.
Despite United’s pressure, Forest gradually grew into the game. Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White began to drive the visitors forward, while Chris Wood caused problems with his physical presence up front.
Forest nearly equalised before the break when Igor Jesus forced a smart stop, but United carried their narrow advantage into half-time.
Forest came out with far more intent after the restart and were rewarded in the 53rd minute. Defender Morato rose highest inside the penalty area to power home the equaliser, sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters and swinging momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour.
However, the game quickly descended into controversy. Just two minutes after Forest levelled, Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead following a lengthy VAR review.
Forest players were furious after replays appeared to show Bryan Mbeumo handling the ball in the build-up, but the goal was eventually given, much to the frustration of the away bench and supporters.
The decision visibly rattled Forest, and United began to find more space on the counter-attack. Fernandes continued to dictate the tempo and nearly created another goal for Amad, whose effort flashed narrowly wide.
The Portuguese midfielder would eventually get the assist he deserved in the 76th minute when his cross found Mbeumo, who finished confidently to make it 3-1. The assist marked Fernandes’ 20th of the Premier League season, equalling the competition’s single-season record.
Forest refused to give up and responded almost immediately. Morgan Gibbs-White produced a superb finish from the edge of the area in the 78th minute after a clever pass from Anderson, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale.
The visitors threw bodies forward during a nervy spell of stoppage time, with Taiwo Awoniyi adding fresh energy from the bench, but United held firm to secure all three points in their final home game of the campaign.
Forest can take positives from their attacking display and fighting spirit, although defensive lapses and the controversial second goal ultimately proved costly.
For United, the win continues their strong finish to the season under Michael Carrick and confirms their place among the league’s top sides heading into the final weekend. Forest, meanwhile, will look to bounce back quickly as they prepare for one final push before the campaign concludes.
Only one Premier League matchday now remains, with the final round of fixtures set to take place on May 24.
