Nuno Espirito Santo said the gap has closed on English football’s so-called ‘Big Six.’ As Nottingham Forest’s boss prepared to progress a push towards Champions League qualification, he suggested that the traditional Premier League powerhouses were no more. Tonight’s opponents Manchester United , along with Manchester City , Liverpool , Arsenal , Spurs and Chelsea , boast that collective tag. But with Forest now pushing for third place and Aston Villa having upset the applecart last season by finishing fourth, the usual suspects in the chase for the Champions League spots have altered. Newcastle United is another club that has thrust itself among the usual suspects at the top of the table. Nuno believes that others are making up ground. He said: “I think it has been changing - but not only this season. This gap is no longer exists in such a predominant way. Clubs such as ours, alongside the 'Big Six' have been able to improve and compete well. “We have done that by our recruitment. The competition itself makes players reach a higher level when they arrive in the Premier League. “Every club that is promoted from the Championship prepares itself to reach the Premier League. What has changed is the quality of the players, the quality of managers and the quality of the game.” Forest have the chance to do the double over Manchester United for the first time since 1992. They go into the game on the back of a dramatic two-hour battle at the Amex against Brighton in the FA Cup last Saturday evening to reach the semi-final following a third successful penalty shoot-out in the competition. And, far from tiring out his players, the Portuguese thinks it could have the opposite effect. He said: “We are recovering well. The joy and happiness coming through reaching Wembley can help us. “It was beautiful. Everyone enjoyed it. The fans and the players - but it lasts for such a short time. But, whenever you are happy on the field, you have an extra run to give. No excuses. We are going to compete.” Manchester United were Nuno’s first opponents when he assumed control at the City Ground from Steve Cooper. Perhaps it was a sign of what was to come that Forest ran out 2-1 victors over Erik ten Hag’s side. He said: “If you compare the two managers, the two approaches are totally different. The style, the tactics. It’s been difficult for Ruben Amorim to come in during the season and implement his ideas. They still have quality players. But, honestly, I only started studying Manchester United on Sunday.” However, his opinion of Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes , whom he praised ahead of the last meeting at the City Ground 15 months ago, still holds. Asked about his level of performance, Forest’s boss said: “I still believe that he is a great player. “He hasn’t just been playing well for the past 12 months. It’s at Sporting Lisbon, Udinese, the Portugal national team. He’s a fantastic player. Bruno is an amazing footballer.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.