Nuno Espírito Santo’s transformation of Nottingham Forest over the past 16 months has been nothing short of extraordinary. When he took over, the club was in turmoil, struggling to stay in the Premier League amid a defensive crisis, a squad plagued by injuries, and even a four-point deduction. Many managers would have crumbled under the pressure, especially given that club owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly considered sacking him twice. Yet, Nuno remained steadfast, guiding the team through a difficult period and ultimately securing their top-flight status.
Fast forward to today, and Forest are not just surviving in the Premier League—they are thriving. Sitting comfortably in the top four with a 10-point lead over Newcastle in the race for Champions League football, they are enjoying one of their best seasons in decades. It’s a stunning turnaround that few would have predicted at the start of the campaign. While Newcastle still have games in hand, Forest are in a commanding position, and the excitement among their fanbase is fully justified.
Perhaps nothing epitomizes Forest’s rise under Nuno more than their remarkable achievement against Manchester United. By securing a league double over United for the first time since the 1991/92 season, Forest have matched a feat that was last accomplished under the legendary Brian Clough. That alone speaks volumes about how far they have come. While Manchester United are no longer the dominant force they once were, beating them twice in the same season remains a significant accomplishment, one that Forest fans will savor for a long time.
Nuno’s reaction to this historic milestone was telling. Rather than basking in personal glory, he credited his players and the passionate home support at the City Ground. “The records, the boys are breaking all of them, and today the City Ground was part of the game. We were against the ropes. The City Ground helps us,” he told BBC Sport. His humility and recognition of the collective effort behind Forest’s success are key reasons why he has won over the fans and established such a strong connection with the club.
Of course, comparing any manager to Brian Clough is always a tricky proposition. Clough is, and always will be, the defining figure in Forest’s history. He didn’t just bring success—he revolutionized the club, leading them to back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980, a feat that is almost unthinkable in the modern era. His influence extends far beyond trophies; he shaped the identity of Nottingham Forest and cemented their place in football folklore.
However, in the context of the modern game, what Nuno is achieving is also remarkable. In an era where financial disparity between clubs is greater than ever, breaking into the Champions League spots as a team outside the traditional “Big Six” is an enormous challenge. While Leicester City’s 2015/16 title-winning season remains the greatest underdog story in Premier League history, if Forest were to qualify for the Champions League, it would stand as one of the competition’s most astonishing achievements.
Tactically, Nuno deserves immense credit for how he has molded this Forest team. Last season, defensive frailties were a major concern, with Forest conceding too many soft goals and struggling to maintain structure. This year, they have become much more disciplined at the back, with a well-organized defensive unit that can absorb pressure and hit teams on the counter. The improvements in game management, tactical flexibility, and squad cohesion have been evident in their performances.
Another key factor in Forest’s rise has been the mentality shift within the squad. Nuno has instilled a belief that they can compete with the league’s best, and that confidence has been reflected in their results. The players are not just playing to survive anymore—they are playing with ambition, determination, and a clear sense of purpose. The results against Manchester United are a prime example of that mindset shift.
The City Ground has also played a crucial role in Forest’s resurgence. Nuno acknowledged its impact after the win against United, and it’s easy to see why. The home support has been phenomenal, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and providing the players with the energy needed to push through difficult moments. When a team and its supporters are united in belief, incredible things can happen—just as we are seeing with Forest this season.
Looking ahead, the next few months will be crucial. Forest must maintain their momentum, navigate potential injuries or suspensions, and handle the growing pressure that comes with being in a Champions League race. Newcastle, despite their current position, are still a threat, and other teams could emerge as challengers. But if Forest continue to perform at this level, there is no reason why they cannot hold onto their top-four spot.
If Nuno does lead Forest into the Champions League, his name will be etched into the club’s history alongside some of its greatest managers. While he may never eclipse Clough’s legendary achievements, he is on course to become the best manager the club has had since the iconic figure. His work has already brought pride back to Nottingham, and if he completes this journey, it will go down as one of the greatest managerial feats in Premier League history.
For now, Forest fans should enjoy the ride. Their team is on the verge of something special, and under Nuno Espírito Santo, the future looks brighter than it has in decades.