Manchester United vs Forest: Preview, Prediction, H2H – Aina and Awoniyi Challenge Bruno’s Record

Manchester United will host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford for the final home match of the 2025‑26 Premier League season, with both clubs having already secured their main objectives for the campaign, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The Red Devils occupy third place with 65 points, six points ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa, and have already qualified for the Champions League after a 3‑2 win over Liverpool last weekend.

Forest sit 16th on 43 points and confirmed Premier League survival after Elliot Anderson’s late equaliser in a 1‑1 draw with Newcastle United.

Individual stakes remain high: Bruno Fernandes is chasing a place in the all‑time Premier League record books, while Casemiro will make his final home appearance for United.

Match preview

Michael Carrick’s tenure as interim head coach has been remarkable since he replaced Ruben Amorim in mid‑January.

The 44‑year‑old has earned 33 points in 15 Premier League matches, the best return in the division over that period, and lifted United from seventh to third in four months.

Seven wins from eight home games under Carrick illustrate the resolve that was lacking during the final weeks of Amorim’s spell.

The win over Liverpool earlier this month, where Kobbie Mainoo scored a stunning winner after Liverpool had clawed back from two goals down, felt like the defining moment of United’s season.

The goalless draw at Sunderland last weekend was less inspiring, with United managing just one shot on target; Carrick may look to inject more energy into the side here.

Forest’s campaign has been defined by off‑pitch turmoil but on‑pitch resilience.

Vitor Pereira became the club’s fourth head coach this season when he was appointed in February, following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche.

Despite the changes, Pereira has steered Forest clear of relegation and to the Europa League semi‑finals, where they were beaten 4‑1 on aggregate by Aston Villa.

In the Premier League, Forest’s recent form has been strong, winning three of their last five league matches, including a 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland and a 3‑1 victory away at Chelsea.

Pereira’s side are also on an eight‑game unbeaten run in the league, although the European heartbreak at Villa Park may have taken an emotional toll.

Head to head

This fixture has become a bogey tie for Manchester United in recent years.

The Red Devils are winless in their last four Premier League meetings with Forest, a run that dates back to a 3‑2 win at Old Trafford in August 2023 under Erik ten Hag.

Since then, Forest have won three and drawn one of those encounters, including a memorable 3‑2 victory at Old Trafford in December 2024 and a 1‑0 win at the City Ground in April 2025 that completed a league double over United for the first time since the 1991‑92 season under Brian Clough.

The reverse fixture this term ended 2‑2 at the City Ground in November, with Casemiro heading United into a first‑half lead from a Bruno Fernandes corner before Morgan Gibbs‑White and Nicolo Savona turned the game on its head after the break.

Amad Diallo rescued a point for Amorim’s side with a spectacular late volley that will live long in the memory.

In the broader picture, the two clubs have met 115 times across all competitions, with United holding a clear advantage: 54 wins to Forest’s 36, with 25 draws.

In the Premier League specifically, United have won 15 of 21 meetings, including the legendary 8‑1 thrashing at the City Ground in February 1999.

That historical dominance has been overturned in recent seasons, and Forest will arrive at Old Trafford with genuine belief.

Team news

Manchester United

The main story ahead of Sunday’s match is the expected return of Casemiro, who missed the draw at Sunderland with a minor issue but has since resumed full training.

The Brazilian midfielder will leave United on a free transfer this summer and will want to bow out at Old Trafford in style, having been a hugely popular figure behind the scenes throughout his time at the club.

Benjamin Sesko is also in contention after sitting out the Sunderland game with a shin injury sustained during the Liverpool victory, when he collided with the advertising hoardings.

Manuel Ugarte’s minor back problem has cleared up, with the Uruguayan back in training and likely to return to the squad.

Matthijs de Ligt remains a long‑term absentee, having not featured since a 2‑1 win at Crystal Palace back in November due to a persistent back injury.

With this being the final home game, Carrick may look to give minutes to fringe players such as Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount from the bench.

Predicted Manchester United XI (4‑2‑3‑1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Nottingham Forest

Vitor Pereira faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

The biggest question mark surrounds Morgan Gibbs‑White, who has missed the last two matches after suffering a serious facial laceration in the 3‑1 win at Chelsea following a collision with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

The England midfielder has been training in a protective face mask and could be available, although Pereira was cautious in his pre‑match press conference, saying the decision would be taken in consultation with the medical department.

Nigeria international Ola Aina has been ruled out after picking up a knee injury during the Europa League semi‑final first leg against Aston Villa and has not been able to return to training.

His compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi, however, is expected to be involved, having made his comeback from a horrific abdominal injury suffered against Leicester City in May 2025 that left him in an induced coma.

Awoniyi has contributed four goals and one assist in limited league minutes this season and his physical presence could be vital against United’s backline.

Dan Ndoye and Ibrahim Sangare are also back in training and may feature, while Murillo, Callum Hudson‑Odoi, John Victor, Willy Boly and Nicolo Savona have all been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Predicted Nottingham Forest XI (4‑4‑2): Sels; Moreira, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Hutchinson, Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs‑White; Awoniyi, Igor Jesus

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