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Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Key stats and talking points

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Key stats and talking points

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (12:30 GMT) between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, which is set to be Casemiro's final home appearance for the Red Devils.

Manchester United sealed Champions League qualification with victory over Liverpool in their previous home match – and securing a return to Europe's top competition appears increasingly likely to earn head coach Michael Carrick the job on a permanent basis.

He was this week named on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League's Manager of the Season award. He has reportedly now also been endorsed by senior figures within the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to recommend to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the former Middlesbrough boss is offered a new contract.

Casemiro's Old Trafford farewell

United have lost their final home league game just once in the past 18 seasons and will be keen to ensure veteran midfielder Casemiro bows out on a high in his final home appearance.

The Brazilian, 34, has played a pivotal role for United this season, starting 32 of 36 top-flight fixtures and scoring a career-best nine league goals.

While his departure will free up a sizeable chunk of the club's wage budget to invest in more long-term options, replacing the former Real Madrid star won't be easy.

United have won 54.7% of the matches he has featured in since arriving in 2022, compared to just 38% when he has been absent. They have also scored more goals per game, and conceded fewer, when he has been involved.

[BBC]

In-form Forest savour safety

Elliot Anderson's late goal against his former club Newcastle last weekend earned Nottingham Forest a draw which ultimately proved enough to guarantee survival.

West Ham's defeat by Arsenal a few hours later confirmed they were mathematically assured of their top-flight status with two games remaining.

Vitor Pereira, Forest's fourth head coach of the season, joked on Thursday that he is now able to "sleep properly" but also said the club needs to understand "the things we cannot do again" to reach "the next level".

Pereira has effectively rallied his side during the final two months of the season, with Forest finding consistency when they needed it most to pull clear of the relegation battle.

They are unbeaten in eight league games, the third longest current undefeated run in the top flight – form bettered by only Bournemouth and Manchester City.

The last time Forest enjoyed a longer undefeated streak in a single Premier League campaign was 31 years ago.

[BBC]

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