Nottingham Forest continued their remarkable push for a top-four finish with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United, courtesy of a breathtaking solo goal from Anthony Elanga. The former Red Devils winger showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing in a moment of individual brilliance that left his old club stunned.
A Goal to Remember
With the game finely poised, Elanga seized his opportunity in the 55th minute. Picking up the ball just outside his own penalty area following a defensive header from Ryan Yates, the Swedish international embarked on a sensational 70-yard dash, leaving Alejandro Garnacho and Patrick Dorgu in his wake. Showing remarkable composure, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards out.
Despite the significance of the moment, Elanga chose not to celebrate out of respect for Manchester United, the club where he spent a decade after joining as a 12-year-old.
Forest’s Champions League Charge
The victory kept Forest firmly in the hunt for a historic Champions League qualification, lifting them to third in the Premier League—10 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo admitted he had never seen a goal like Elanga’s, while captain Ryan Yates hailed him as a “midfielder’s dream.”
Elanga, who was named Man of the Match, reflected on his stunning strike: “It’s about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quickly as I can. I saw the opportunity and took it. I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league.”
No Regrets Over Old Trafford Exit
The 22-year-old’s £15 million move to Forest last summer has reignited his career after limited opportunities under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. With six goals and eight assists this season, placing him joint-seventh in the league’s assist charts, Elanga has proven his worth.
In an interview with The Athletic in December, he insisted he made the right decision: “Coming to Forest was massive for me. At United, I wasn’t improving, I was just playing for the sake of playing. Here, I’m developing, playing 90 minutes regularly, and enjoying my football.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Forest’s dream season continues, with an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City still to come. Elanga’s electrifying pace, topping the Premier League’s sprint charts, has been a key factor in their success.
As Nuno aptly put it: “He did it by himself. There is no better counter-attack. He is a special player.”
With eight games remaining, Nottingham Forest and their rising star are daring to dream of a place among Europe’s elite.
Elanga’s Stunning Solo Strike Sinks Manchester United as Forest Chase Champions League Dream
