Manchester United officially locked in a third-place finish in the Premier League after edging past Nottingham Forest in an entertaining 3-2 victory at Old Trafford.

Heading into the penultimate round of the season, the equation was simple for the Red Devils — a win would guarantee them third spot regardless of other results. In front of a lively home crowd, Manchester United delivered exactly that, although not without late drama.

Luke Shaw gave the hosts the perfect start, firing United ahead inside the opening five minutes. However, Morato brought Nottingham Forest level shortly after the restart to briefly silence Old Trafford.

The response from Manchester United was immediate. Just two minutes later, Matheus Cunha restored the lead before Bryan Mbeumo added a third goal midway through the second half to seemingly put the game beyond doubt.

Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for the visitors moments later, setting up a nervy finale, but Nottingham Forest were unable to find an equaliser as United held firm to secure all three points.

The victory confirms that Manchester United will finish third in the Premier League, capping an impressive turnaround in a season that at times appeared unstable and directionless.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester United - Nottingham Forest 3:2 (1:0)
Goals: Shaw L., 5 (1:0); Morato F., 53 (1:1); Cunha, 55 (2:1); Mbeumo, 76 (3:1); Gibbs-White, 78 (3:2)

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot; Maguire; Martínez Li.; Shaw L.; Fernandes B.; Casimiro (Mount, 81); Mainoo; Mbeumo (Zirkzee, 80); Cunha (Dorgu, 80); Diallo
Substitution: Dorgu (from 80); Zirkzee (from 80); Mount (from 81)
Bench: Bayındır; Malacia; Yoro; Heaven; Mazraoui; Ugarte
Yellow Cards: Casimiro 78; Shaw L. 90

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams N.; Morato F.; Netz (Jair Cunha, 84); Milenković; Anderson E.; Gibbs-White; Dominguez N. (Sangaré I., 70); Hutchinson (Bakwa, 70); Wood C. (Awoniyi, 70); Igor Jesus (Mcatee, 84)
Substitution: Sangaré I. (from 70); Bakwa (from 70); Awoniyi (from 70); Jair Cunha (from 84); Mcatee (from 84)
Bench: John Victor; Ortega S.; Abbott; Yates
Yellow Cards: Anderson E. 90