Manchester United fans had to wait for the outcome of the all-English Europa League semi-final between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest for the date of the final home game of the season to be set in stone.
Although the Premier League has settled on most of its dates for the remainder of the domestic season, Manchester United fans have had to delay arranging plans for the final outing at Old Trafford this season.
The Premier League and its official broadcasters show no consideration for travelling fans, but this isn’t in their hands.
That’s because the outcome of tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa directly determines the date of United’s final home match of the 2025/26 campaign.
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Man Utd to host Nottingham Forest on May 17
Following the first leg at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest went into the second leg against Aston Villa with a 1-0 lead.
As expected, Villa piled the pressure on Forest throughout the first half. In the 36th minute, Emi Buendia assisted former United transfer target Ollie Watkins to make the tie even before half-time.
At half-time, United fans were no closer to finding out whether their final visit to Old Trafford this season would take place on Sunday afternoon, as scheduled, or if it would be moved to Monday night.
Villa doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Buendia scored from the penalty spot.
With less than 15 minutes left on the clock, Forest’s European dreams were buried as John McGinn scored a brilliant goal as Villa took advantage of shoddy defending.
McGinn made it 4-0 minutes later as Villa fans started booking their hotels for Istanbul.
Unai Emery, who has won the Europa League a record four times (three times at Sevilla and once with Villarreal), got the most out of his players on the night as they held on to secure a spot in the Europa League against Bundesliga outfit Freiburg.
Villa advancing in the Europa League means that United’s final home game of the 2025/26 campaign will be played on Sunday, 17 (12:30 pm).
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Ex-Man Utd defender Victor receives standing ovation
Former United defender Victor Lindelof was tasked with an unfamiliar job in midfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports after tonight’s line-up was released, Emery was asked about Lindelof’s position when he confirmed the Swede wasn’t a goalkeeper.
However, after a 70-minute display, Lindelof received a standing ovation from the Villa Park faithful.
The 31-year-old left Old Trafford as a free agent last season and could play in the Europa League final almost 12 months on.
Despite reaching the 2025 Europa League final with United, Lindelof didn’t make it off the bench.
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