Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday May 17 is a matchweek 37 fixture with a story in the visiting side's form. Forest arrive on the back of three wins in their last four league games, including a 5-0 demolition of Sunderland and a 3-1 win over Chelsea. United host them with their top-three finish already secure but plenty still to settle on the pitch.
Manchester United | Third Place and Building Momentum
United sit third on 65 points, 6 clear of the fourth-place battle between Liverpool and Aston Villa. Their Champions League place for next season is mathematically secured. The remaining two games are about finishing the campaign on the right note and sending a message about where the club is heading under their current management.
The most significant result of their recent stretch was the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, a result that simultaneously confirmed United's top-three standing and knocked Liverpool's CL ambitions sideways. Before that, wins over Chelsea and Brentford had demonstrated a consistency that was missing for much of the first half of the season. Their only blemish in recent form was a 1-2 loss at Leeds, a game they dominated before conceding twice in the final fifteen minutes.
Nottingham Forest | Best Form in Months
Forest's season has been defined by three distinct phases. A solid start, a mid-season collapse in which they lost five in seven, and then a March-to-May revival that has lifted them comfortably clear of danger. Their 5-0 win at Sunderland was their biggest win of the season. Their 3-1 win over Chelsea at the City Ground was a statement performance, with Forest controlling possession and counter-attacking with precision.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has stabilised Forest after a difficult winter. They are safe on 43 points, 7 clear of West Ham in the relegation zone. This trip to Old Trafford is a free hit, but one Forest will approach with confidence given their current momentum. They drew 1-1 with Aston Villa at the start of this run and held Newcastle to the same scoreline last weekend.
Old Trafford | The Last Home Game of the Season
This is United's penultimate home game of the season. Their final fixture is away at Brighton on May 24. The Old Trafford atmosphere for a Sunday lunchtime kick-off will be charged, with the home crowd expecting nothing less than a send-off win that continues their top-three finish with substance. Forest will look to spoil the occasion.
For full Premier League coverage including the title race between Arsenal and Manchester City, visit the oWire Premier League hub. The concurrent May 17 fixtures include the Aston Villa vs Liverpool CL clash on May 15 and the Leeds vs Brighton Europa League battle.