Nottingham Forest

Various pundits have been discussing on-field referee Michael Salisbury's decision to award Manchester United's second goal against Nottingham Forest, despite an apparent handball by the Red Devils' Bryan Mbeumo in the build-up.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told Final Score: "You can clearly see the ball comes off Mbeumo's arm prior to going to [Matheus] Cunha. For me, it is a penalisable handball.

"Mbeumo does control the ball and, while he is not the scorer himself, football's expectation is for a goal like that to be disallowed as opposed to being given.

"The law states that usually if it is the scorer who has accidentally or deliberately handled the ball before putting the ball in the back of the net, it will be disallowed.

"Football's expectation is that the handball outweighs any possible deflection off Mbeumo's hip.

"It is a good intervention from the VAR. I would've recommended a review myself, had I been the VAR. I do think that while it is commendable the referee sticks with their decision, which we don't see very often, this is only the fourth time it has happened. But I feel the correct decision is to disallow the goal for a handball.

"It is a decision that will split people. I can see both sides of the argument but we've had so many talks recently about needing to go back to deliberate handball. If it's unequivocally a handball, then we disallow. If the handball is accidental or if the arm is in an unnatural position, and we have all these clauses in the law, then it gets a bit complicated - so I would advocate for a return to just deliberate handball."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports: "It is a handball. It is as simple as that. The referee has gone to the screen and made a decision but, if you look at it, it is clear as day."

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane added: "We are confused here, especially because the referee was asked to go to the screen and then still gave it.

"All of us ex-footballers will all be saying the same thing - handball. I don't think anyone would've complained about it. We were all scratching our heads when it was allowed."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man Utd's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Casemiro returns for his farewell appearance at Old Trafford.

The veteran Brazilian midfielder is one of three changes to the Manchester United starting line-up from the team that drew at Sunderland last week.

Diogo Dalot returns at right-back and Bryan Mbeumo is recalled. Mason Mount, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee drop to the bench.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo

Substitutes: Bayindir, Mazraoui, Mount, Zirkzee, Malacia, Dorgu, Yoro, Ugarte, Heaven

Morgan Gibbs-White returns for the visitors after his nasty facial injury. Chris Wood is back at centre-forward for the visitors, who also recall Omari Hutchinson to the starting line-up.

Ibrahim Sangare is named on the bench for Nottingham Forest, who have eased clear of relegation trouble.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Netz, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus, Wood

Substitutes: Victor, Ortega, Sangare, Awoniyi, Yates, Cunha, McAtee, Bakwa, Abbott

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Brentford v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Everton v Sunderland

• Leeds v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Fulham

• Newcastle v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (12:30 GMT) between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, which is set to be Casemiro's final home appearance for the Red Devils.

Manchester United sealed Champions League qualification with victory over Liverpool in their previous home match – and securing a return to Europe's top competition appears increasingly likely to earn head coach Michael Carrick the job on a permanent basis.

He was this week named on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League's Manager of the Season award. He has reportedly now also been endorsed by senior figures within the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to recommend to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the former Middlesbrough boss is offered a new contract.

Casemiro's Old Trafford farewell

United have lost their final home league game just once in the past 18 seasons and will be keen to ensure veteran midfielder Casemiro bows out on a high in his final home appearance.

The Brazilian, 34, has played a pivotal role for United this season, starting 32 of 36 top-flight fixtures and scoring a career-best nine league goals.

While his departure will free up a sizeable chunk of the club's wage budget to invest in more long-term options, replacing the former Real Madrid star won't be easy.

United have won 54.7% of the matches he has featured in since arriving in 2022, compared to just 38% when he has been absent. They have also scored more goals per game, and conceded fewer, when he has been involved.

In-form Forest savour safety

Elliot Anderson's late goal against his former club Newcastle last weekend earned Nottingham Forest a draw which ultimately proved enough to guarantee survival.

West Ham's defeat by Arsenal a few hours later confirmed they were mathematically assured of their top-flight status with two games remaining.

Vitor Pereira, Forest's fourth head coach of the season, joked on Thursday that he is now able to "sleep properly" but also said the club needs to understand "the things we cannot do again" to reach "the next level".

Pereira has effectively rallied his side during the final two months of the season, with Forest finding consistency when they needed it most to pull clear of the relegation battle.

They are unbeaten in eight league games, the third longest current undefeated run in the top flight – form bettered by only Bournemouth and Manchester City.

The last time Forest enjoyed a longer undefeated streak in a single Premier League campaign was 31 years ago.

This is a proper dead rubber, with Nottingham Forest safe now, and Manchester United guaranteed a Champions League spot.

That makes it harder to call but United boss Michael Carrick will still be desperate for a strong end of the season and retain the feel-good factor at Old Trafford.

Nottingham Forest won't want to let their season just peter out, either, but the pressure is off them now and, because of that, I am backing United here - this game is more important to them than it is to Forest.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

A new episode of the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast with BBC Radio Nottingham's David Jackson and Colin Fray is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

The panel chat in-depth after Forest's Premier League survival was confirmed with two games yet to play.

"Two games now for Forest fans to actually enjoy," said Fray.

"We make it probably only the second and third games since Forest got back into the Premier League with absolutely nothing riding on it.

"It's come after a remarkable turnaround. Not immediate under Vitor Pereira - he lost a couple of early games - but 16 points from the last eight in the Premier League is an extraordinary record.

"Two points across that many games in the Premier League for a side that was really struggling, and heading down rather than up, is an incredible turnaround."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Nottingham Forest content on BBC Sounds

Grace Wheeler
BBC Sport

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pereira provided an update on midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White after he suffered a facial injury last week: "He started today [Thursday], to work with the team. Let's see, with a mask. You know, it's strange when we use the mask, but in the end I spoke with him, said 'I'm okay, I'm okay with the mask, no problem'. We'll see if he's ready of his conditions for the next game."

• On other team news, he added: "Murillo out, [Ola] Aina out, but in this moment I think Dan Ndoye. Morgan [Gibbs-White] and Ibrahim Sangare will be on the training tomorrow."

• Asked about reports that Forest are in talks with Neco Williams about a new deal at the club: "I don't know. But he's another player that deserves everything. He's consistent. I know what I can expect from him every game. He's a player that deserves everything. I think we play very consistent since the time that we are working together. He has been very consistent with quality defending and attacking, he is a very good player."

• Pereira spoke about the potential for Morgan Gibbs-White to win Premier League Player of the season: "He deserved everything from the top player. As I said before, the top player deserves everything that life gives to him or football gives to him because the fighter has a lot of talent, is a leader, and he deserves, in my opinion, everything."

• On if the midfielder will make it into the England World Cup squad: "I think he wants to prove himself every time, wants to get every chance to prove himself and to prove that he has the quality and the talent to be there."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Forest? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Neco Williams over a new contract extension, amid growing Premier League interest in the full-back.

The 25-year-old has been a key player for Forest this season, playing 51 times for the club so far and also wearing the captains armband recently, with his performances attracting admiration from rival teams.

The Wales international still has three years to run on his current deal, which he signed last summer, but it is understood discussions over an improved contact are underway.

The talks come amid a backdrop of significant interest in the left-back from a number of Premier League clubs before the summer transfer window.

Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton are all understood to have made discreet enquiries to understand Williams' situation heading into the summer.

But Forest are determined to keep the former Liverpool defender at the City Ground, and hope the offer of a new deal can end any uncertainty over his future.

Williams joined Forest in July 2022 for a fee of £12m and has since gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club.

Manchester United are ready to make a formal move for Nottingham Forest's England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23. (Give Me Sport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating: "Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"

• Listen to the show in full on BBC Sounds

• Watch the show in full on iPlayer

Despite helping Nottingham Forest avoid relegation, manager Vitor Pereira could be replaced by Fulham boss Marco Silva this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray believes Vitor Pereira has carried out a "terrific turnaround" at Nottingham Forest since arriving in February, having ensured Premier League safety and guided the club to a Europa League semi-final.

So we asked you to rate his time at the club so far and for your thoughts on safety being secured.

Here are some of your replies:

Tina: It feels a bit like a miracle. He has moulded a disjointed group of lads into a team again. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I respect to him for doing it and the team for embracing it. We've had fight, fire and an attitude that I was worried had abandoned us. Good job, boss!

Ian: What he has done is truly remarkable but, looking at the stats, it is clear we've massively over-performed and we've had more than our slice of luck. What has happened over last eight games is not sustainable. Ultimately, things will settle back to a true reflection of where we are, which unfortunately is a bottom-third-of-the-league side. Unless we hit lucky with recruitment, I can see our owner getting another manager in after a poor start to next season.

Edward: For the first time this season the players truly responded to a head coach. Maybe it was a combination of Vitor's approach and a realisation that the players couldn't be seen to not cooperate with another head coach. With the number and quality of managerial free agents available this summer, it would be perfectly in character for Evangelos Marinakis to ditch him for a bigger name. If he does stay, I hope everyone is on the same page regarding recruitment and business is done early. All of this season's failures stemmed from the club's fractious pre-season; in stark contrast to the harmonious pre-season of 2024-25.

TJ: Vitor Pereira is exactly what Forest need. For us, it is more about connection with the manager than the playing style - and luckily he has brought both. This is the best football we have played for a few years. However, I still think he might get the chop this summer and I'm fearful for next season without Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White!

Sean: When Vitor was appointed, my exact reaction was that - as our fourth manager of the season - it didn't matter what he'd bring because we'd still go down. Turmoil behind-the-scenes, a disjointed squad and an unhappy fanbase was too much to overcome, in my opinion. However, sitting safe in the Premier League for our fourth season in a row, I'm glad to be wrong. He has turned it around and done it in style. We've been competitive against the likes of Man City and Liverpool, and we were scoring for fun against Burnley and Sunderland. Plus we got that victory against Chelsea with our misfiring B-team. I'm tipping us for relegation again next season, if only to be proven drastically wrong again! In Vitor we trust.

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

In a week in which Nottingham Forest achieved one of their two goals this season - and narrowly missed out on the other - thoughts now turn to the future.

Securing Premier League survival with two games to go means planning can begin for next season. Sadly, it's not planning for a place in the Champions League but, after two seasons of almost qualifying, it seems realistic to aim high.

But what does planning look like? Vitor Pereira only has until next summer on his contract and without Champions League football it's likely that we'll lose one or two star players.

It's hard to see a world where we keep Elliot Anderson after the World Cup, but if he's being talked about as the most expensive English Premier League player... well, we should have some money to strengthen.

But, if anything, we need stability this summer - last summer's chaos followed by the ongoing turmoil of this season means we need to get it right. Very few of the new arrivals in 2026, and during the January transfer window, hit the ground running and ultimately - on top of four managers - that almost got us relegated.

Even without European competition, there are still 38 Premier League games and two cup competitions to battle for so, for any kind of consistency, we need a squad ready to deal with injuries, suspensions and tactical changes.

The work begins now for the club to be ready for pre-season in July.

There are still two games left and a World Cup in between, but absolute clarity is needed for next season to avoid the mess we embraced this campaign.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Colin Fray
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It has been a terrific turnaround by Nottingham Forest in the backend of this season.

They were in big trouble, but Vitor Pereira and his coaching staff have managed to get a disjointed squad turned around into a side that is now unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games.

In those eight games, they have taken 16 points. From the previous 28 games, they had taken 27 points. So they have gone from earning less than one point per game for the first 28 games to taking two points per game for the last eight games.

That shows the turnaround.

It needed to be such a turnaround as well because the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Leeds have been winning matches down there as well. Forest have had to be that good to get to safety - and they did it with two games spare in the end.

They can relax at least now because they know they will be playing Premier League football next season, but I'm sure they will be aiming to finish the season with Pereira's unbeaten Premier League run intact.

Then it will be about rebuilding to make sure they aren't down at that end of the table against next season.

What Vitor Pereira has done is put smiles on faces. He has made the Forest dressing room a happy place again. They have always been a confident bunch, no matter the head coach, because they always felt they had enough in there but they needed some unification.

Pereira has certainly done that. I remember when he walked into the job, on his first day there he said: 'A smile can do magic' - and he has beamed his way through his tenure at Forest.

Do you think it is a job well done for Vitor Pereira? How would you rate his time at the club so far?

Let us know your thoughts here

Listen to the full post-match debrief on BBC Sounds

Listen to full commentary on every Nottingham Forest game, and In The Game every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Nottingham.

And subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Nottingham Forest fans

Richard: A gritty battling performance with a depleted squad to see the Reds over the finishing line of safety. Over the last month every player in the squad has played their part in securing safety in the Premier League and reaching the semi-final of the Europa League. This truly is an amazing football club.

Kris: A hard-earned point and another season of Premier League football assured. So pleased for Elliot Anderson, showing great character. A lot to do over the summer and hopefully recruitment will be better and we'll have a little less managerial drama!

Colin: On the back of getting knocked out of Europe on Thursday and also having played so many games in a short period of time along with all the injuries we have, it wasn't the best performance as regards good football but the effort and commitment to get a result to stay in the Premier League next season was immense. Well done Nottingham Forest.

Mark: Fair result, Forest looked like they were running on fumes. Tactical changes after 10 minutes or so made it more of a competition. Newcastle looked slick at times, so thanks to Matz Sels for keeping us in the game.

Newcastle fans

Geoff: Exactly the same as we've played all season. Play well. Dominate the game. Take the lead only to lose it again late in game. Eddie Howe has gone as far as he can with this team. Replace him and clear out half of that inept team too.

Mike: Another poor performance, except for one good move that resulted in a goal. Lots of possession and opportunities but no killer instinct in front of goal and poor defending. Too predictable I'm afraid!

Gordon: Yet again we took the lead and failed to defend it. What an unbelievable sequence this season. Full marks to Forest and Elliot Anderson in particular. You deserved the point.

GPW: Same old defensive frailties combined with very poor finishing sums up Newcastle this season!

Pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

• Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Everton

Image source, Getty Images

Match of the Day pundit Shay Given on Elliot Anderson's performance for Nottingham Forest against his former club Newcastle: "It was fitting for him to have the last say in that game against his former club and after the sad passing of his mother.

"He's shown incredible resolve over the last few weeks as losing a parent is one of the biggest things that could ever happen to anyone.

"People often forget the human side of players, they aren't just robots. For him to keep playing at the level he has been - when he will have been hurting so much - has been unbelievable. It will have meant so much to him to score against Newcastle, his mum was a Geordie and he will no doubt have had mates in the away end.

"He is some player and he has yet again shown what a mistake Newcastle made by letting him go.

"That goal today has earned Forest the point that might be the one that seals their safety for next season. He got cramp when he scored and that showed just how much effort he puts in today and week in, week out."

Vitor Pereira has been speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after Nottingham Forest's draw to Newcastle.

He told Colin Fray: "After the Aston Villa game, we were mentally strong to come back and face a strong team - Newcastle.

"Mentally and physically we were not with full energy because it's been four very difficult days after the game in Europa League. But in the end, the character and the spirit of these players is fantastic.

"The supporters help us a lot and in the end we deserved the point.

"Once it was 1-1 they gave everything to try and score a second goal and I am very happy with the players that came on from the bench. They gave everything to support the team."

You can access loads of Forest audio from BBC Radio Nottingham here

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle did not need any reminder of what they had allowed to leave the club - but Anderson delivered one anyway.

The midfielder cost Forest £35m when he joined two years ago and, despite some debatable recent recruitment at the City Ground, he has been a stunning success.

His late equaliser pushed Forest closer to safety while damaging the Magpies' faint European hopes - and that scenario will not be lost on Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson, who helped bring Anderson to the Midlands club.

Anderson is certain to go to the World Cup with England after becoming a key member of Thomas Tuchel's squad and Forest will struggle to hold onto him in the summer, with Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly circling.

With no European football next season - those hopes ended with Thursday's Europa League semi-final defeat against Aston Villa - it is hard to envisage Anderson staying for another season.

He pointed to the sky after his goal in tribute to his mother Helen, for whom Forest laid a wreath on the pitch against Burnley last month after her death.

Forest have provided the perfect platform for the 23-year-old to flourish since he arrived in the Midlands and he has developed into one of the finest midfielders in the league.

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to Sky Sports: "In the end I have reasons to be happy. Three games, very tough without time to recover and time to prepare in the proper way.

"It was very difficult but the players showed the spirit, the character, and in the end they want to score a second goal.

"I have to be honest that one point, in this moment of the season, is a good point with the players that we have injured at the moment. Difficult to find solutions and the players from the bench went in with spirit to help the team and try to score and I'm very happy with that.

"The character of these players - a special group. They believe even after we conceded the goal that we can score. We did, and maybe, had a chance to score a second. This is the spirit I want in my team.

"Now it's time to recover mentally and physically. Thanks to the supporters because they helped us a lot. We're looking to the future with belief and we know that next season will be good for us."

Forest goalscorer Elliot Anderson, speaking to Sky Sports: "Massive - we knew going into these last few games it's important to pick up points and finish on a high. It's a good point considering as I don't think we were at our best today.

"But when you're not at your best it's about not losing points and we've picked one good one up.

"The subs brought some energy. It was tough out there. It was hot and everyone seemed really tired. A tough first half for both teams I think, but we finished well.

"We've made a U-turn and done really well. The manager is brilliant and we're all behind him. It was a tough game midweek but we'll bounce back and now focus on the league.

"One thing the manager said is that this group is full of fighters. Four managers means it has not been easy, but we've all stuck together and fought for each other."

Did you know?

• Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, with them last enjoying a longer run without defeat in the competition between February and November 1995 (25).