Morgan Gibbs-White fired Nottingham Forest to a first victory against Manchester United since 1994 as Erik ten Hag’s side ended a topsy-turvy year with a whimper.
The Red Devils had won the sides’ last 11 meetings in all competitions, but new boss Nuno Espirito Santo would celebrate a memorable second win in just five days.
Gibbs-White’s super late strike from the edge of the box wrapped up a memorable 2-1 triumph after Marcus Rashford had capitalised on a terrible Matt Turner pass to cancel out Nicolas Dominguez’s opener.
WHAT A WAY TO END 2023!
😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/a9NTElz2yp
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 30, 2023
This was United’s 14th defeat in all competitions this term and a miserable end to the year for a side that were a pale imitation of the one that roared back to beat Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Match-winner Rasmus Hojlund was absent through illness and Ten Hag’s team underperformed at the City Ground, where a forgettable first half made way for a pulsating second period.
Rodriguez fired Forest ahead in the 64th minute, only for under-fire Turner to see a poor pass cut out as Rashford went on to rifle home a 78th-minute leveller.
But the goalkeeper helped make amends four minutes later, denying Christian Eriksen before the hosts raced up the field and Gibbs-White slammed the hosts back ahead.
What it means ❤️#NFOMUN | @NFFC pic.twitter.com/vbY12mN7aa
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2023
Turner held firm in stoppage time to ensure Forest beat United at home for the first time since 1992.
INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford was an interested observer alongside Sir Alex Ferguson on the banks of the Trent, where Kobbie Mainoo heading away an early Dominguez attempt.
Chris Wood, brimming with confidence after his hat-trick at Newcastle on Boxing Day, drove off target before United survived an 11th-minute scare.
Former United talent Anthony Elanga drove a cross in front the left and Raphael Varane’s awkward attempt to cut it out took it over helpless Andre Onana and across the face of goal.
The Forest faithful bellowed “you’re not famous anymore” as their side continued in the ascendancy, thanks in no small part to United’s poor decision making and passing.
The home side crowded out Ten Hag’s men in attacking areas, just as they did when Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw a shot blocked shortly after Ryan Yates scooped over at the other end.
A forgettable first half limped on until the break, when Scott McTominay replaced Mainoo.
Ten Hag would also take off Antony in the 54th minute to Forest chants of “what a waste of money” as Amad Diallo made his first United appearance in two years.
A minute later, misfiring United nearly went ahead through the unlikely source of Diogo Dalot. The full-back’s first-time drive from distance came back off the right-hand post.
But, in truth, Forest had emerged from half-time with more bite to their play and the City Ground was rocking in the 64th minute.
Elanga played into right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who followed an expert touch with a smart cutback for compatriot Dominguez to stroke a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
It was an excellent strike that sparked chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” being aimed at Ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho sent an acrobatic effort into the ground and onto the roof of the net as United sought a leveller that Turner was soon relieved not to gift them.
The Forest goalkeeper’s miskick flew up in the air but bounced back to him. His blushes would not be spared for long, though.
Turner saw a lax pass out from the back cut out by Garnacho, who squared for Rashford to level in the 78th minute.
Forest fans went ballistic after the goalkeeper’s latest error and there were murmurs when he next touched the ball.
The match-winner 🤩 pic.twitter.com/MtgfU3QFck
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) December 30, 2023
But Turner atoned his earlier mistake by stopping Eriksen, which sparked a Forest break. Elanga squared for Gibbs-White and the man of the match curled beyond Onana into the bottom corner.
The stadium erupted, just as it did midway through 10 minutes of stoppage time when Turner brilliantly tipped over a deflected Fernandes volley.
Amad was also denied before the final whistle saw players collapse to the turf.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.Man Utd have reached an agreement to sign Byran Mbeumo Who do you think will get there first? Barcelona in advanced talks to sign Marcus Rashford "ERAs come to an end... and some begin with disaster." We all wanted to grow up fast… only to see kids these days doing things.. What were you doing at 17-18? Cunha : Help MebeumeManchester United's signing poli...
Marcus Rashford looks set to get his dream transfer from Man Utd to Barcelona.Marcus Rashford is set to join Barcelona.Marcus Rashford is on the brink of a dream move to Barcelona after the La Liga champions struck an agreement with Manchester United, according to reports. The 27-year-old forward, one of five first-team players exiled from Ruben Amorim's pre-season plans, looks set to land at the ...
Eddie Howe has spoken about the possibility of Alexander Isak joining Liverpool.Eddie Howe was quizzed on Alexander Isak following Newcastle's defeat to CelticEddie Howe has insisted that he is 'confident' about Alexander Isak staying at Newcastle despite significant interest from Liverpool. The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and appears to be facing an uncertain future. Li...
Liverpool have submitted a €90 million (£78m/$105m) bid to Eintracht Frankfurt for French striker Hugo Ekitike. Sky Sports have revealed that an agreement in principle has been established between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt, laying the groundwork for what could soon become one of the most significant deals of the summer.Liverpool are determined to get EkitikeHave submitted a S...
Gyokeres' father 'emotionally distraught' as Arsenal transfer stallsArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.Barcelona linked with shock move for Rea...
Harry Kane Bayern Munich 2025 FIFA Club World CupBayern Munich’s hunt for a capable understudy to Harry Kane has hit a roadblock, as VfB Stuttgart reportedly continue to resist their efforts to sign emerging forward Nick Woltemade. The Bavarian giants have already made two formal bids, but both were swiftly turned down by Stuttgart, who are holding firm on their valuation of the 23-year-old ...
Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier LeagueKevin De Bruyne says it is "an honour" that his new club Napoli allowed him to train in the No.10, which has been retired to honour Diego Maradona.WHAT HAPPENED?De Bruyne was speaking at his media unveiling. He joined Napoli on a free transfer last month after spending the last decade with Manchester City. As a welcome gesture, the club arranged...
Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern München - BundesligaEx-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to snub a Premier League return with Sunderland despite mounting speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London, where he developed into a combative leader for the Gunners. Since then he has playe...
Viktor Gyokeres ArsenalArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.WHAT HAPPENED?As the deal continues to stall, the once-promising move to north London...
Germany France Euro 2025Germany overcame the first-half dismissal of Katrin Hendrich, to beat France 6-5 on penalties after battling to a 1-1 draw after extra time.France v Germany - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-FinalTELL ME MOREAll hope looked lost for Germany just 10 minutes into the game, when a VAR check, seemingly out of nowhere, revealed Kathrin Hendrich had inexplicably pulled Greidge Mbo...
- 1 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 2 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 3 Model skips Lamine Yamal's party over 'weird demands'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Jude Bellingham finally undergoes surgery on recurrent dislocated shoulder injury as Real Madrid confirm successful procedure for England star ahead of long layoff
- 6 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 7 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 8 Chelsea star’s stunning model Wag captured 'best UFO footage ever'
- 9 Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunion
- 10 Daily Laugh - Watch and remember the kids