Manchester United will travel to the City Ground on Tuesday night to face Nottingham Forest in what promises to be another key Premier League fixture for the Red Devils. After a turbulent season, which has seen them struggle for consistency, United will be hoping to build on their recent 3-0 victory at Leicester City and claim back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
With little to play for domestically and a season that is unlikely to yield the results Manchester United fans expect, the focus for manager Ruben Amorim will be on salvaging pride and finding some form in the closing stages of the campaign. Their opponents, Nottingham Forest, will offer a stern test. Under the stewardship of Nuno Espirito Santo, the newly promoted side have shown impressive defensive resilience and will demand everything from United’s attack if they are to break down Forest’s formidable backline.
Let’s take a closer look at how Manchester United could line up against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, with several players returning from injury and suspension, and others looking to make their mark in the final stretch of the season.
The Stakes for Manchester United
While this season has been far from perfect, signs of a resurgence under Amorim have been visible. The team has looked particularly dangerous against stronger opponents, utilizing a solid defensive structure and counter-attacking football. United will want to continue that trend at the City Ground, where they will face a Forest side that is difficult to break down at home.
Nottingham Forest will be well-organized and determined to make it tough for United to find space in the final third. However, for the Red Devils, this is a crucial fixture to regain some much-needed confidence and give themselves a platform to build on heading into the remaining weeks of the season. Winning this match would give United a boost and create momentum for what has been a disappointing campaign so far.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Andre Onana will continue between the posts for Manchester United, despite the return to full fitness of reserve goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton. The Cameroonian has been the first-choice goalkeeper since his summer move from Ajax, and Amorim is unlikely to make any changes in goal for this crucial fixture. Onana has had his share of ups and downs, but his shot-stopping ability and composure on the ball make him an essential part of the team. Against a Nottingham Forest side that will likely create a few chances, Onana’s reflexes and decision-making will be tested.
Center-Back: Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt has had an inconsistent debut season at Old Trafford, with moments of brilliance mixed with occasional lapses in concentration. However, Amorim’s tactical setup, which relies on a compact defense and organized shape, could suit the Dutchman’s strengths. De Ligt is known for his aerial ability and strength in duels, but he has sometimes struggled with defending wide areas. In a three-man defense, he’ll be positioned on the outside of the back three, tasked with maintaining a solid shape while also contributing to United’s build-up play.
With the return of several injured defenders, De Ligt will need to prove that he can be the commanding presence in United’s defense as they look to keep a clean sheet in what could be a gritty encounter.
Center-Back: Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire, having returned to training over the international break, looks set to make his way back into the starting lineup. The England international has faced heavy criticism this season but will be hoping to show that he can still offer something to the team as they navigate through a difficult season. Maguire has often been the target of criticism for his perceived lack of pace and errors at key moments, but his aerial ability and leadership in the backline could make him an asset in this game. He will be important in organizing the defense, especially with Forest’s direct style of play and aerial threat.
Center-Back: Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro’s return from injury could be a significant boost for United, especially given the recent injury crisis at center-back. With Ayden Heaven joining Lisandro Martinez on the injury list, Yoro’s comeback is timely, as his speed and physicality will be crucial against the fast and direct attacking play of Nottingham Forest. The Frenchman, still young but with considerable potential, will need to be alert and ready to deal with the pace of Forest’s attackers. His recovery and readiness will play a vital role in ensuring that United do not concede easy goals during this match.
Right Wing-Back: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot is likely to start at right wing-back for United. While the Portuguese full-back may not be a long-term solution in this position—especially with the club expected to upgrade in the summer—he remains an important part of the squad for now. Dalot’s work rate and ability to get forward will be crucial as United look to exploit the spaces down the flanks. His delivery into the box will be key, especially with players like Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho lurking in the penalty area.
Central Midfield: Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte’s inclusion in central midfield could offer some much-needed stability in United’s midfield engine room. The Uruguayan has had a stop-start season due to injury and suspension, but he has proven to be a tough and combative presence in midfield when fit. Ugarte’s ability to break up opposition attacks and shield the defense will be vital, particularly against a Nottingham Forest side that likes to transition quickly. His battle with Forest’s midfielders will be key to United’s ability to control the game.
Central Midfield: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been one of the few standout performers for Manchester United this season. The Portuguese international has regained his top form heading into the March international break, and United will need him to continue at that level if they are to finish the season on a positive note. Fernandes’ vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo will be essential in unlocking Nottingham Forest’s well-organized defense. If United are to create chances and dominate possession, Fernandes will need to be at his creative best.
Left Wing-Back: Patrick Dorgu
After serving a lengthy suspension, Patrick Dorgu is eligible to return to the lineup, and his inclusion at left wing-back could provide an important boost for United’s attack. Dorgu has been a positive presence when he has played this season, offering pace and creativity on the left flank. His ability to get forward and deliver dangerous crosses into the box will be important, especially against a Forest team that has been tough to break down. His defensive discipline will also be key in preventing Forest’s counter-attacks.
Attacking Midfield: Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee, who has started to show more promise after a quiet beginning to his United career, could be deployed in a more withdrawn attacking midfield role. Zirkzee has impressed with his technical ability and composure on the ball, and his link-up play will be crucial in helping Manchester United break down Forest’s defense. His ability to create space and assist in the build-up will be needed as United look to dominate possession and control the game.
Attacking Midfield: Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho, who scored at Leicester before the international break, will likely be in the starting lineup once again. The young Argentine has been a breath of fresh air for United this season, adding pace and directness to the attack. His pace on the left wing will be key in stretching Forest’s defense, and his ability to cut inside and get shots off will be a constant threat. With his confidence high after recent performances, Garnacho will be one of the players to watch as United look to create opportunities.
Striker: Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund’s return to form is one of the most positive aspects for Manchester United in recent weeks. The Danish striker had gone 21 games without a goal but finally ended that drought with a goal at Leicester, and he added another for Denmark during the international break. Hojlund will be looking to continue his newfound goal-scoring form and make a difference up front for United. His physicality, movement, and ability to finish in the box will be vital as United look to break down Nottingham Forest’s defense and take control of the game.
Conclusion
Manchester United face a difficult task at Nottingham Forest, who will look to impose their defensive solidity and force United to break them down. However, with key players returning from injury and suspension, Amorim will have a strong squad to select from. If United can continue their positive momentum from the Leicester victory and assert control in the game, they’ll have a good chance of picking up three crucial points. The performance of players like Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund will be key to United’s success in this matchup.
This game is vital for the Red Devils as they look to salvage something from a disappointing season. A win at the City Ground would provide a much-needed boost, giving them confidence going into the final stretch of the campaign.
