Anthony Elanga’s “special” goal clinched a first league double over Manchester United since the 1991/92 season for Nottingham Forest.
The winger scored the only goal of the game at the City Ground on Tuesday night, against his former club, to make it three Premier League wins in a row for the Reds. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain third in the table and on course for Champions League qualification with eight matches to go.
The only downside to a memorable evening for Forest was losing Ola Aina to injury, particularly as they were already without Chris Wood (hip problem) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (personal matter). Below is a look at what head coach Nuno had to say after the final whistle.
On a big win…
“Over the moon. We are delighted, realising how the game went. We could not be more proud than we are, because it was very tough.”
On Murillo’s last-ditch clearance at the death…
“It was huge for us. Better than a goal, wasn’t it?
“The fans played their part. We were against the ropes. In this moment, we were against the ropes, and it was about heart and belief because the legs weren’t there anymore.
“I’m very proud of them. Very, very proud of them.
“Today it was Murillo, but we have had others (make big clearances). When you don’t have energy, you have to have belief. Belief is what can I do to stop the ball going in the net? It is a good example of the dedication and the commitment of the players.”
On Ryan Yates’ performance after playing 120 minutes in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final…
“Not only Yatesy, many of our players were in those circumstances. Yatesy is just an example of the heart of this squad.”
On substituting Danilo and bringing on Morato in the first half…
“We started very well with the goal from Anthony, but after that the game went away from us. We were not able to control, United had possession and created lots of problems. At the moment of the injury to Ola, we decided to put an extra body in there to give us a help.”
We have produced a special 48-page edition of the Nottingham Post celebrating the club’s two European Cup wins.
Nottingham Forest are flying high in the Premier League and Reds fans are dreaming of a return to European competition. It has been an outstanding campaign for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who are on course for a place in the Champions League next season. And Forest supporters can whet their appetite for a possible return to football’s top tier on the continent with our 48-page special edition celebrating the club’s two European Cup wins.
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in Nottinghamshire from April, 2 2025.
For online order postage and packaging applies, orders will be posted from April 2, 2025.
On Elanga running 85 metres in nine seconds for his goal…
“Amazing. With the ball; so imagine (how quick) without the ball!
“He did it by himself. Credit to him. He has this special ability to drive with pace and still control the ball at such a huge speed. The finishing was great.
“It was very special. He has this ability of driving. It is the capacity to drive with the ball with pace and still be able to control it. To do that is very difficult and requires a lot of technique.”
On whether there is more to come from Elanga…
“From all of our players, I think. It doesn’t matter the age, as long as there is commitment and dedication I think we can improve all of them.”
On Aina’s injury…
“We have to assess. It is always a concern when a player gets injured by himself.
“He is going to have a scan and we will see how it is. We’re not quite sure what it is, only the scan will say exactly.”
On whether Wood could be fit for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa…
“It is going to be day by day. He is getting better. Today, the feedback was that he is getting better. Tomorrow, I hope for even better but he is going to be assessed day by day.”
On whether Hudson-Odoi will be available on Saturday…
“I think so. Let’s see but I think so.”
On the importance of the squad…
“We are going to need everybody. We have no doubt we are going to need everybody until the end.
“We have to keep this mentality, this approach and this togetherness. We need all of them.”
