Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview: Key Absences Impacting Both Sides

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

Manchester United Availability

Manchester United have one confirmed defensive absentee and two fitness doubts. M. de Ligt (Back Injury) is sidelined. B. Šeško (Leg Injury) is doubtful, while M. Ugarte (Back Injury) is doubtful.

B. Šeško has been a major attacking contributor with 11 league goals and 1 assist, ranking among the leading scorers in this data set, so his status will be closely monitored.

Nottingham Forest Availability

Forest face a lengthy absentee list across the back line and attack. O. Aina (Injury) is sidelined. W. Boly (Knee Injury) is sidelined. C. Hudson-Odoi (Injury) is sidelined. John Victor (Knee Injury) is sidelined. Murillo (Muscle Injury) is sidelined. N. Savona (Knee Injury) is sidelined.

In addition, Z. Abbott (Concussion) is doubtful, M. Gibbs-White (Head Injury) is doubtful, and I. Sangaré (Injury) is doubtful.

M. Gibbs-White has been a major attacking figure with 13 goals and 4 assists, so his potential absence would significantly reduce Forest’s creative and scoring threat.

Impact Summary

United’s main concern is the possible loss of B. Šeško’s 11-goal output, though other key creators like Bruno Fernandes and additional 9-goal contributors remain available. Forest risk being without M. Gibbs-White’s 13 goals and 4 assists, which would strip a large share of their attacking output and place extra burden on secondary forwards.