Both United and Forest will take to the field safe in the knowledge they have already achieved their goals for the season, with a return to the Champions League sealed for the Red Devils and survival also confirmed for Forest, even if they did suffer the blow of losing in the Europa League semi-finals earlier this month.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest match details
Fixture: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Competition: Premier League
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Kick-off: 12:30 BST
Venue: Old Trafford
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Our prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest predicted lineups
Manchester United
Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens / Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw / Casemiro, Mainoo / Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu / M. Cunha
Nottingham Forest
Our predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Sels / J. Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams / Hutchinson, Yates, Anderson, Bakwa / Jesus / Wood
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest bet builder tips
Matheus Cunha to have two shots on target
Matheus Cunha has been one of Man Utd's shining lights alongside talisman Bruno Fernandes during the second half of the season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in the 15 games since Carrick's appointment in January.
The Brazilian is a key reason the Red Devils already have a top-five place sewn up and remains one of their biggest threats in front of goal, averaging 1.1 shots per game in the Premier League. In what is a favourable home game for United, we're backing him to test the keeper with two efforts on goal.
Neco Williams to be shown a card
Neco Williams is behind only Elliot Anderson (seven) for Nottingham Forest yellow cards this season with six so far, while he also has a red card on his record.
Whether it be up against Bryan Mbeumo or Amad Diallo, Williams will be in for a testing afternoon, while he may also have to contend with Cunha, who ranks inside the top 10 in the division for fouls won with 54 - which equates to two per game.
Of all the contenders to go into the referee's book, ex-Liverpool youngster Williams looks to be one of the likeliest culprits at Old Trafford regardless of which side of defence he starts at.
Manchester United to score over 1.5 goals
Last weekend's 0-0 draw at Sunderland was the first time United have failed to score under Carrick and they look set to be back among the goals on their return to Old Trafford.
United have also scored at least twice in seven out of their eight games at home since their former midfielder took over the reins from Ruben Amorim, with a shock defeat to Leeds the only anomaly. While they come up against a Forest side in good form, our experts think they are good value to score at least twice on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United to win
The final pick for our bet builder is for Man Utd to claim another three points, which would mathematically confirm third place for them this season.
That result would see Forest's eight-game unbeaten run in the league come to an end, but given survival is now secured they may just take their feet off the gas a little bit, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Ola Aina and Murillo's absences are a big blow.
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When is Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest?
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm.
Where can I watch Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest?
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest will be shown live on Sky Sports and the Sky Go app.
Can you bet on Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
