'Special' praise as Forest hitman Elanga shows United just what they're missing

Nuno Espirito Santo hailed Anthony Elanga after the "special" Nottingham Forest winger's fifth-minute wonder goal sealed a 1-0 win against Manchester United.

Elanga sprinted 85 meters in just nine seconds in a blistering solo effort that carried him from deep inside the Forest half to the edge of the United area.

The 22-year-old, who was sold by United in 2023 after being deemed surplus to requirements, capped his electric surge by drilling a cool finish past Andre Onana to put Forest on course for victory at the City Ground.

"He's a special boy and he gives this team his speed," Forest boss Nuno said.

He added: "I think the game was going away from us. We had to suffer ... It was a very hard game."

Forest sit third in the Premier League just a year after battling to avoid relegation. A place in the Champions League is within touching distance, while they have also reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

Elanga's pace was the key to Forest's success as they sat deep and hit United on the counter. "It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can,," the Swede said. "The finish is something I have been trying to work on."

United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his side's lack of attacking quality was the key factor in their first defeat in eight games in all competitions.

United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, with only the Europa League left to salvage a wretched campaign. Amorim, who was hired in November, insisted his team were making progress despite their lowly position.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE