Match preview for Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

The City Ground is set for an exciting Premier League clash on Tuesday evening as Nottingham Forest host Manchester United.

Forest currently sit in third place in the Premier League standings, holding a six-point lead over fifth-placed Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester United find themselves in 13th position, a staggering 17 points behind their opponents.

Last season, Forest narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 17th in the table. Few would have predicted their rise to third this campaign, boasting an impressive record of 16 wins, six draws, and seven losses from 29 matches, accumulating 54 points.

With Champions League qualification within reach, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still have plenty to fight for in the final stretch of the season.

Their last Premier League outing was a thrilling 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town on March 15. Additionally, the Tricky  Trees secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals after overcoming Brighon in a penalty shootout over the weekend.

Earlier this season, Forest beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford. Now, they have the chance to achieve their first league double over the Red Devils since the 1991-92 season under the legendary Brian Clough.

Winning at the City Ground ⚪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/cxgKWKNrus

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 30, 2025

Astonishingly, United are still seeking their first set of back-to-back league victories this season. They entered the international break on a high note following a 3-0 win over Leicester.

Beyond domestic competition, United impressed in Europe, securing a dominant 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, setting up a quarter-final clash with Lyon.

While their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League through the league appear bleak, winning the Europa League would provide them with a much-needed route back into Europe’s premier competition.

Despite a turbulent campaign, their recent performances suggest growing confidence under Ruben Amorim. The team has not suffered a defeat in normal time since mid-February against Tottenham.

Team news for Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

Forest boss Santo revealed that Chris Wood remains doubtful for Tuesday’s encounter due to a hip injury sustained while representing New Zealand.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s availability is also uncertain after colliding with the goalpost against Brighton.

For United, several key players have returned to training, including Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton.

Patrick Dorgu is available again after serving a domestic suspension, though Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Ayden Heaven, and Jonny Evans are confirmed absentees.

Focus turns to tomorrow. 👊 pic.twitter.com/IdCFsxiPWg

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 31, 2025

Expected line-ups for Nottingham Forest v Manchester United

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, N. Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Jota, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Elanga

Manchester United: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee

How to watch Nottingham Forest v Manchester United: TV channel, online stream

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United will kick-off at 20:00 on Tuesday and is available to watch on TNT Sports 1. Fans in the UK can also stream the match on the discovery+ app.