Man Utd Face Nottingham Forest: Key Battles, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Manchester United wrap up their home schedule for 2025–26 against Nottingham Forest, a side that secured their Premier League survival just last weekend.

With the Red Devils firmly planted in third place, there's little at stake in this fixture, meaning a pressure-free 90 minutes could be on the cards at Old Trafford this Sunday.

United booked their spot in next season's Champions League with a 3–2 victory over Liverpool a fortnight ago, before a dull 0–0 stalemate at Sunderland last time out. Their remarkable second-half-of-season form has put interim boss Michael Carrick in pole position for the permanent role, and the home side will be keeping a close eye on potential future midfield cornerstone Elliot Anderson this weekend.

Anderson's leveler against Newcastle United last Sunday kept Forest in the Premier League, though the club arrived at that match still stinging from their Europa League semifinal second-leg exit at Villa Park.

The visitors can at least point to some domestic progress under Vitor Pereira, though the Portuguese coach departed Molineux swiftly after steering Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety last term.

Man Utd vs. Nottingham Forest Score Prediction

Red Devils Roll on Home Soil

A buoyant Old Trafford crowd is expected to welcome both sides on Sunday, with a feel-good mood sweeping through the red half of Manchester.

United have had a superb 2026 so far, with Carrick's no-nonsense, straightforward approach unlocking the best of the Red Devils — particularly their formidable attacking options.

The challenge will intensify next season should he land the role full-time, with multiple competitions to manage and heightened expectations, but Old Trafford will give Carrick a rousing reception when he addresses the fans after the final whistle, convinced they've found their man for the future.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Nottingham Forest

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Nottingham Forest

Casemiro had been a fitness concern for his Old Trafford send-off after sitting out last week's goalless draw at the Stadium of Light, but the Brazilian has returned to training ahead of Sunday and is expected to be in the starting XI.

Manuel Ugarte has overcome a back complaint and is likely to be named on the bench, with Mason Mount the probable casualty. The Englishman partnered Kobbie Mainoo in midfield last weekend.

Benjamin Šeško is still a doubt due to a persistent shin problem, with Bryan Mbeumo set to lead the line if the Slovenian fails to prove his fitness. Joshua Zirkzee made little impact against the Black Cats.

Diogo Dalot is expected to reclaim his spot from Noussair Mazraoui at right back, while Matthijs de Ligt remains out with an ongoing back complaint.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Forest are dealing with a lengthy injury list, though Pereira is optimistic that three important players could return to action this weekend.

Chief among them, Morgan Gibbs-White has resumed training following a serious head injury sustained in the 3–1 win over Chelsea earlier this month. Forest's skipper and key creative force was cruelly absent for the Europa League semifinal second leg against Aston Villa, but may feature in the club's final two matches of the campaign.

Dan Ndoye is also pushing for involvement, while Ibrahim Sangaré could earn a starting berth if his Friday training session went as anticipated.

Callum Hudson-Odoi's season is over, and Pereira has confirmed that both unpredictable center back Murillo and Ola Aina remain unavailable.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Ortega; Cunha, Milenković, Morata; Williams, Anderson, Domínguez, Netz; Gibbs-White, McAtee; Wood.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Nottingham Forest Kick Off?

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Nottingham Forest on TV, Live Stream