Manchester United Secures Third Position in the English League After Defeating Nottingham Forest

Manchester United confirmed their 3rd place finish in the final 2025/26 English Premier League standings after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Matchweek 37 at Old Trafford, Sunday 17 May 2026.

These three critical points took the Red Devils to 68 points, mathematically out of reach for 4th-placed Aston Villa who remain on 62 points with only one fixture left this season.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest remain stuck in 16th position on the table with 43 points after failing to take any points on United's home ground.

Manchester United played aggressively right from the opening minute of the match. Full backing from the Old Trafford crowd successfully lifted the home side's morale as they continuously pressured Forest's defensive line.

United took an early lead in the 6th minute through Luke Shaw. Bruno Fernandes delivered a cross that was not properly cleared by the Forest defence, Shaw brought the loose ball under control before firing a low driven shot that Goalkeeper Matz Sels could not stop.

Falling a goal behind forced Nottingham Forest to push forward on the attack. The away side created several dangerous threats, including a golden opportunity for Morgan Gibbs-White that was safely held by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

In the 21st minute, Manchester United came very close to doubling their lead. Bryan Mbeumo beat his marker and struck a shot that left Sels rooted to the spot, only for the ball to hit the goalpost.

The 1-0 scoreline remained until half time. Straight after the restart, Nottingham Forest pulled off a surprise equaliser in the 52nd minute as Morato headed home from a cross by Elliot Anderson.

This level score did not last long however. Just three minutes later, Matheus Cunha restored United's advantage to 2-1. The goal came after Cunha pounced on a loose clearance from Forest's defence following Mbeumo's earlier strike.

Referee Michael Salisbury ordered a VAR check for a suspected handball during the build up to the goal. After reviewing the incident, Cunha's goal was allowed to stand.

Manchester United continued to control the flow of the match. In the 75th minute, Bryan Mbeumo finally got on the scoresheet, finishing a perfect through ball from Bruno Fernandes to put United 3-1 up.

Nottingham Forest pulled one back just two minutes later, as Morgan Gibbs-White tapped home from close range off an assist from Elliot Anderson.

Despite this, Forest could not build on this momentum to find an equalising goal. The 3-2 scoreline in Manchester United's favour held firm until the full time whistle.

This victory confirms Manchester United finish the 2025/26 English Premier League Standings in 3rd place, securing their qualification spot for next season's Champions League.

For the final match of the season on Sunday 24 May 2026, Manchester United will travel away to face Brighton & Hove Albion, while Nottingham Forest will host Bournemouth at The City Ground.