It is fair to say that Nottingham Forest have surprised everyone this season, including myself! They are having an unbelievable campaign; they are currently third in the Premier League table, meaning that if they keep up the good run of form, they will qualify for the Champions League!
The last time they competed in Europe's elite competition was when "Don't you want me" by The Human League was the number one song in 1981!
Forest are unbeaten in five games in all competitions and are currently on 54 points. Only four teams that have reached that tally after 29 games have failed to finish in the top five.
Considering Nuno Espirito Santo's Reds escaped relegation last year, this has been one of their best seasons in recent history.
They will be looking to strengthen their team for next season, especially if they manage to qualify for European football.
The Tricky Trees have interest in Matheus Cunha after the Brazilian striker confirmed his plan to leave Wolves in the summer as he wants to play for a club that 'fights for titles'. The 25-year-old has a £62.5 million release clause, a fair amount for the talent that he has to offer.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are having one of the worst seasons in the club's history.
Ruben Amorim was appointed as the new head coach at the start of November, but unfortunately, he has not managed to turn things around just yet.
The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the table, very unlikely to achieve European football with their only chance of landing silverware being the UEFA Europa League. Just to emphasise how bad their season has been, alongside Southampton and Ipswich Town (who are bottom of the table) they are yet to win back to back league games this season.
Bruno Fernandes has been carrying the team on his back; the Portuguese midfielder is the top scorer and has the most assists for the club this season. Ian Wright, ex-Arsenal legend, started on a podcast, "If it weren't for him, they would be in the relegation zone."
His consistent form for the past five years has sparked interest with Real Madrid. According to sources, they are happy to offer 90 million pounds, which would make him the highest selling departure at Manchester United, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sold to the Spanish side for £80 million.
Team news
Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Chris Wood is 'improving' but remains a doubt for the upcoming game against United. The striker missed the FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton because of a hip injury whilst on international duty with New Zealand.
Morgan Gibbs White picked up a leg problem against the Seagulls and was forced off the pitch in extra time after colliding with the post; however, he should be able to return to play the 20-time English champions.
Predicted starting 11: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, and Awoniyi.
Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are back from injury, whilst Patrick Dorgu returns from suspension.
Predicted starting 11: Onana, De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Garnacho, Zirkzee, and Hojlund.
Where to watch
The game will be taking place today April 1st. For the US viewers, the game will be shown live at 3pm EST on Peacock.
Whilst in the UK, the match is live on TNT Sports and Discovery+ at 8pm.
Predictions
As we saw in their fixture against Brighton, Nottingham Forrest lacked an attacking threat moreover, they went into extra time meaning that the United players will be more rested than their opposition. Based on this, I will predict that Manchester United will win 2-1 away from home.
