Manchester United welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford for Saturday’s evening kick-off.
Ruben Amorim will be asking his team to respond after he lost his first game as United boss to Arsenal in midweek.
Amorim will have Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainno back at his disposal after the pair served one-game suspensions against Arsenal. £62 million summer signing Leny Yoro made his competitive debut on Wednesday after being sidelined for three months. However, defensive trio Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are unable to feature.
For Forest, it’s consecutive away trips to Manchester after they lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday. Nuno Espirito Santo has no fresh injury concerns to contend with after their defeat in midweek.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news
Form
Manchester United: WDWWL
Manchester United were no match for Arsenal during the week as the Gunners comfortably beat them 2-0 in North London.
United conceded both goals from second-half set-pieces as they struggled to deal with the physicality of the opposition.
Saturday at the Theatre of Dreams — there’s nothing quite like it 👌❤️🔥#MUFC || #MUNNFO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 7, 2024
That was the first loss under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, with his tenure still very much in its infancy. The result ended Man United’s seven-game unbeaten run with their last defeat coming under Erik ten Hag against West Ham.
The Red Devils are in 13th position but only four points separate them from fifth-place Brighton.
Nottingham Forest: WLLWL
After a fantastic start to the season, Forest have dropped off with three losses in their last four games.
They have lost comprehensively to Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle in recent weeks but still find themselves in seventh place.
Only Liverpool and Chelsea have a better away record this campaign than Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and they’ll be looking to continue that success on their travels.
However, Nottingham Forest haven’t triumphed at Old Trafford since 1994 when Stan Collymore and Stuart Pearce netted in a 2-1 win.
Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United, FA Cup, 28th February 2024
Manchester United booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a late winner at the City Ground last campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s team started the brighter of the two sides and came agonisingly close to scoring inside the opening five minutes.
United skipper Bruno Fernandes laid the ball off to Antony whose first-time strike rattled the crossbar.
CASEEEEEE 🇧🇷
The Brazilian puts it all on the line to give @ManUtd a late lead!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/FrNtI56wEa
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 28, 2024
Forest grew into the contest with Taiwo Awoniyi their biggest threat and the striker tested Andre Onana on several occasions.
The encounter developed from an open affair into a cagey one and United broke Forest hearts in the dying embers. In the final minute of normal time, Fernandes’ deep free-kick evaded everyone but Casemiro who stooped low to send the Red Devils through to the next round.
They would go on to win the competition after beating fierce rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Amad, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dalot; Rashford, Fernandes, Zirkzee.
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Dominguez, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Silva; Wood.
Who is the referee?
Darren England will be the match official. He will be assisted by Mat Wilkes and Akil Howson while Josh Smith will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.
What channel will Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest be on?
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK, NOW TV UK and Sky Sports Ultra.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at Old Trafford will be at 17:30 GMT on Saturday 7th December 2024.
Odds
Manchester United – 7/10
Draw – 29/10
Nottingham Forest – 4/1
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