Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Old Trafford and will now face Newcastle United in the final. United won 5-0 on aggregate and came into this cup-tie with a comfortable lead. However, goals from Anthony Martial and Fred ensured that the Reds saw the job out.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest Match Summary:
Erik ten Hag named a very strong team for this encounter, despite his side already being 3-0 up. The game was very cagey in the early parts with Forest looking to get a goal back. Ajendadro Garnacho saw plenty of the ball in the early exchanges, however the home side were complacent in the final third.
The Red Devils were definitely missing Rashford, who was on the bench, as there was a lack of creativity in the wider areas. Ten Hag’s side almost took the lead through Casemiro. The Brazilian’s header was well-saved by Hennessy.
Wout Weghorst hit the post with a header from-close range. The strikers effort was inches away from nestling in the bottom corner, however the ball hit the wrong side of the post and bounced to safety. Antony then came close to scoring with his fierce strike going narrowly over.
Second Half:
The second half followed the same pattern from the first with the visitors still looking to work their way back into the game. Despite being three goals behind, Forest were patient in their build up. United found it difficult to create-clear cut opportunities with the best chance falling to Bruno Fernandes, who fired just wide of the target.
The game changed when Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were introduced. Consequently, Fernandes went on the right with Sancho just behind Martial. The hosts took the lead with a trademark counter attack goal.
Martial put it on a plate for Rashford, however the Forest defenders were able to put a block in. The ball fell to Martial and the Frenchman made no mistakes on his return to the team. Minutes later and Fred had doubled their lead.
Fernandes found Rashford with a delightful pass and the forward sent it back to Fred, who made it 2-0. The full time whistle went and the Reds had booked their spot at Wembley.
Man United vs Nottingham Forest Player Ratings:
Tom Heaton 8/10
Made two good saves and kept a clean sheet. A good display from Heaton considering his minutes have been limited this season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
A faultless performance from the fullback. Seems to be making a strong partnership with Antony with United’s right flank becoming more dangerous every game.
Raphael Varane 7/10
Dealt with everything thrown his way. Didn’t have much defensive work to do but brought the ball out from the back effectively.
Lisandro Martinez 7/10
Like Varane he had a relatively quiet evening. Passing was excellent as usual. Will have a much tougher job on Saturday against Crystal Palace.
Luke Shaw 6/10
An underwhelming performance considering his standards. Had little to no defensive work to do but was sloppy in the final third.
Casemiro 8/10
Makes everything look easy. Made numerous interceptions and was involved in the build-up to United’s second. A dominating performance.
Bruno Fernandes 9/10
A simple but effective performance from the skipper. Made some excellent passes in both halves and was at the heart of everything United did. Didn’t stop running all night and was heavily involved in the second goal. The ‘Portuguese Magnifico’ continues his fine form.
Fred 7/10
Had a mixed first half but gradually improved as the game went on. Scored from point-blank range to seal the victory late on.
Antony 7/10
Lively in the first half and unleashed a great strike, which wasn’t far from the top corner. Made some good recovery tackles and made way for Sancho in the second half.
Alejandro Garnacho 6/10
Was electric and entertaining in the first half. Looked dangerous every time he got the ball, but wasted multiple crossing opportunities. Tested Hennessey in the second half.
Wout Weghorst 5/10
Very quiet game from the striker. Hit the post in the first half and should of also won a penalty. Likely to lose his place in the starting eleven, when Martial returns to full fitness.
Subs:
Anthony Martial 7/10
Continued his impressive goals to game ratio with a goal from the bench.
Jadon Sancho 7/10
Made his return to the side after a lengthy period out. Bright and creative in his new number ten role.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
A handful for defenders as always and assisted Fred.
Harry Maguire 6/10
Came on in the latter stages of the match.
Victor Lindelof 6/10
Came on as a defensive midfielder.
Manager 7/10
Could have perhaps named a slightly weaker side, but got the job done. Ten Hag admitted after the game that he believes a consistent lineup will allow his side to continue their upwards trajectory.
