Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Match Preview

Manchester United host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 17 May 2026 in Premier League Regular Season - 37. United sit 3rd on 65 points with a goal difference of 15, while Forest are 16th on 43 points with a goal difference of -2.

Manchester United Availability

Manchester United have one confirmed absentee and two fitness concerns.

M. de Ligt (Back Injury) is sidelined. His absence removes an experienced defensive option from a side that has conceded 48 league goals.

Two key squad members face late fitness tests:

• B. Šeško (Leg Injury) is doubtful. As United’s leading league scorer with 11 goals and 1 assist in 30 appearances, his status is a potential major blow for their attacking threat.
• M. Ugarte (Back Injury) is doubtful, which could affect midfield balance and ball recovery if he fails to make the squad.

Nottingham Forest Availability

Nottingham Forest are dealing with a lengthy injury list.

• O. Aina (Injury),
• W. Boly (Knee Injury),
• C. Hudson-Odoi (Injury),
• John Victor (Knee Injury),
• Murillo (Muscle Injury) and
• N. Savona (Knee Injury) are all sidelined, significantly stretching Forest’s defensive resources and depth.

Three further players are doubtful:

• Z. Abbott (Concussion) is doubtful.
• M. Gibbs-White (Head Injury) is doubtful; as Forest’s top scorer with 13 goals and 4 assists, his potential absence would be a major blow to their creativity and end product.
• I. Sangare (Injury) is doubtful, threatening Forest’s midfield solidity.

Impact Summary

United’s main attacking structure remains intact but hinges on B. Šeško’s availability to complement contributors like B. Mbeumo, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (each with 9 league goals). Forest, already outscored 63–45 over the campaign, risk losing their chief creator M. Gibbs-White on top of multiple defensive absentees, which could severely limit both their chance creation and stability at Old Trafford.