When Bruno Fernandes delivered a corner towards the near post of Matz Sels’ goal, Manchester United only had their mind on taking the lead at the City Ground. But within 16 seconds and eight touches of the ball, it was the home side who emphatically put themselves ahead.

Anthony Elanga’s fifth-minute winner, having ran 85 metres, mostly unchallenged, will garner all the headlines, for good reason, as Nottingham Forest took another giant leap towards returning to European football's top table for the first time in 45 years with victory over a beleaguered United.