Manchester United will play their final home match of the Premier League season on Sunday afternoon when they welcome an in-form Nottingham Forest side to Old Trafford in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
The Red Devils head into the clash looking to maintain momentum after an impressive late-season run under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Although United were held to a goalless draw away to Sunderland last weekend, they remain unbeaten in their last four league matches and have already secured Champions League football for next season.
Carrick has brought stability and attacking fluency back to Old Trafford since taking charge, losing only twice in 15 matches across all competitions.
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United had scored in 23 consecutive Premier League matches before being frustrated by Sunderland, and they will now be eager to return to winning ways in front of their supporters.
Much of United’s creativity this season has revolved around Bruno Fernandes, who continues to dictate play from midfield while also chasing the Premier League assist record. The Portuguese playmaker has registered 19 assists in the league and will once again be central to everything United create in the final third.
Old Trafford has also remained a difficult venue for visiting sides. Manchester United have lost only once in their final home league match of a season across the last 18 campaigns, a statistic that will give Carrick’s men confidence heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Nottingham Forest, however, arrive in Manchester full of belief after putting together one of their best runs in recent years. Vitor Pereira’s side are unbeaten in eight consecutive Premier League matches and have comfortably secured their top-flight status for another season.
Forest showed character once again last weekend, rescuing a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United through a brilliant strike from Elliot Anderson. The midfielder has continued to impress throughout the campaign and could be key again against United.
The visitors have also been excellent away from home in recent weeks, winning their last three Premier League away fixtures by an aggregate score of 11-1. Forest will draw additional confidence from their recent record against Manchester United, having avoided defeat in the last three meetings between the clubs, including a memorable 3-2 victory at Old Trafford last season.
Despite Forest’s strong form, Manchester United’s attacking quality and home advantage could prove decisive, especially with the hosts eager to end their Old Trafford campaign on a positive note.
What time does Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest start?
Kick-off is at 4:15 PM (EAT) on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest team news
Manchester United will once again be without Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who continues to recover from a back injury that has kept him sidelined for several months.
Benjamin Sesko remains a doubt after missing the draw against Sunderland with a shin problem, meaning Joshua Zirkzee could continue leading the line for the Red Devils. Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in his usual advanced midfield role alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack.
Carrick is likely to keep faith with the majority of the side that has guided the club into the Champions League positions over recent weeks.
Nottingham Forest are dealing with several defensive concerns ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Murillo and Ola Aina are both doubts due to injury issues, while Morgan Gibbs-White is still recovering from a head injury suffered against Chelsea, although he has returned to training wearing a protective mask.
There is better news for Forest in midfield, with Ibrahim Sangare back in first-team training, while winger Dan Ndoye could return to the squad after injury.
Chris Wood is expected to spearhead the attack once again alongside Gabriel Jesus and Omari Hutchinson.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United possible starting XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Zirkzee
Nottingham Forest possible starting XI: Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato; Williams, Yates, Anderson, Netz; Hutchinson, Jesus, Wood
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest head to head record previous meeting and current form
Nottingham Forest have enjoyed recent success in this fixture, avoiding defeat in the last three meetings against Manchester United. Forest famously won 3-2 at Old Trafford last season and will be targeting another positive result on Sunday.
Manchester United, though, have found strong form at the right stage of the campaign and remain unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches.
Carrick’s side have looked more organised defensively while still carrying a major attacking threat through Fernandes and Cunha.
Forest are also enjoying an impressive run, going eight league games without defeat while producing some excellent away performances. Their confidence on the road could make this a much tighter contest than many expect.
Man United vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Nottingham Forest possess enough pace and attacking quality to trouble Manchester United, particularly on the counterattack through Hutchinson and Wood.
However, United’s attacking depth, home advantage and the creativity of Bruno Fernandes should ultimately make the difference. With Champions League football already secured, Carrick’s men can play with freedom and confidence in front of their supporters.
Forest’s recent defensive injuries may also leave them vulnerable against United’s movement in the attacking third.