Michael Carrick will hope his Manchester United side can get back to winning ways in their final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, which comes ahead of formal talks about him staying on as manager beyond the end of this season.
Carrick has enjoyed an excellent second interim spell in charge, with United collecting 33 points, the most in the Premier League, since his appointment in January.
That haul has seen United secure Champions League football for next season and, with nothing to play for beyond professional pride last week at Sunderland, a much-changed United side were below-par in a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Though Carrick has outwardly exuded calm when asked about discussions over him becoming the permanent boss, an improved showing in the Old Trafford finale would boost his case, with discussions set to begin ahead of the last game of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion next week.
But it will not be an easy task against a Forest side that is likely to play with plenty of freedom after securing their Premier League survival last week.
A late goal from Elliot Anderson against his former club earned Forest a 1-1 draw at home against Newcastle United, with West Ham’s subsequent controversial defeat to Arsenal ensuring the Hammers cannot catch Vitor Pereira’s side.
One Forest player who may be particularly keen to impress is defender Neco Williams.
The former Liverpool full-back has been linked with a host of clubs, including United, though Forest are reported to have opened contract talks with the 25-year-old at the City Ground.
Williams’ performance will be crucial if Forest are to frustrate United and get something at Old Trafford, where they claimed a 3-2 victory last season en route to securing European qualification as United finished 15th.
The two sides are in more familiar positions this season, however, with Forest unbeaten in eight Premier League games, they can afford to be confident of spoiling the party.
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Team news for Manchester United v Nottingham Forest
Benjamin Sesko missed United’s draw with Sunderland owing to a shin problem. Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte are dealing with back issues.
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