Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd LIVE score: Result from Carabao Cup semi-final as Rashford, Weghorst and Fernandes net
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Manchester United: Erik ten Hag’s side have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a thumping win
Manchester United put one foot on Wembley Way after taking firm control of their Carabao Cup semi-final with a 3-0 first-leg win at Nottingham Forest.
First-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes’ late third at the City Ground mean that only a miraculous turnaround in next week’s second leg will stop United appearing in the League Cup final at the national stadium next month.
Rashford’s strike was a moment of individual brilliance as he raced 50 yards and converted, Weghorst celebrated his first goal for the club since his loan move from Burnley while Fernandes effectively killed the tie at the death.
The win put United on the brink of returning to Wembley for their first domestic showpiece since losing the 2018 FA Cup final and Erik ten Hag will have the possibility of ending the club’s trophy drought, which stretches back to 2017, firmly in his sights in his first season at Old Trafford.
Relive all the action as Manchester United thump Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-finals:
Marcus Rashford’s latest salvo sends Manchester United to the brink of Wembley date
It was not the most important goal a forward with the initials MR has scored for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest – not when Mark Robins went down in folklore as the man who saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job – but it was possibly the best.
Perhaps the finest goal of what is shaping up as the greatest season of Marcus Rashford’s career might lead to the kind of prize United have lacked in recent seasons. As in 1990, when Robins struck against Brian Clough’s team, United could be on course to end a lengthy wait for silverware with a first honour of a manager’s reign. Erik ten Hag had described winning trophies as the best feeling. It is one United are on course to experience, with a three-goal lead to take back to Old Trafford and a probable Carabao Cup final after that.
Their road seems ever likelier to lead to Wembley. Rashford’s journey took him from United’s own half to the Forest box in an eviscerating burst. For the Mancunian, the last year has brought a route from the worst spell of his career to the best form: 12 months ago, he had already scored his last goal of the season. Now, with 10 goals in as many games, he is on course for his most productive campaign.
Marcus Rashford’s latest salvo sends Manchester United to the brink of Wembley date
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Manchester United: Rashford’s wonder goal set United en route to a thumping Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win
FT Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes’ goal was his 100th goal involvement for Manchester United in all competitions (56 goals, 44 assists), in his 155th appearance for the club.
FT Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd
This is the just the third season of the League Cup to see both semi-final first legs won by the away team, after 1972/73 and 1992/93.
FT Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes’ second half strike gives Manchester United a comfortable lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford. Are Erik ten Hag’s men heading to Wembley?
It looks very likely.
Full-time: Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd
90+3 mins: The full-time whistle brings the curtain down on a brilliant night for Manchester United. They haven’t lost at the City Ground in eight games now and comfortably breezed past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The main damage is done now and Erik ten Hag will be able to rest some of his key men for the return leg at Old Trafford.
That game takes place at the same time next week.
Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd
90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
The goal from Bruno Fernandes will be enough for Manchester United to comfortably win this game but it should also secure the Red Devils a trip to Wembley.
It’ll be incredibly difficult for Nottingham Forest to score three goals at Old Trafford without reply.
GOAL! Nottm Forest 0-3 Man Utd (Fernandes, 89’)⚽️
89 mins: That should be that now. Bruno Fernandes threads a lovely ball into the feet of Pellistri who carries the ball into the box. He tries to set up a shot but loses the ball and it bobbles over to substitute Anthony Elanga.
Elanga flicks the ball into the path of the arriving Fernandes who drills a shot past Wayne Hennessey on the half-volley.
Nottm Forest 0-2 Man Utd
84 mins: Nottingham Forest just can’t get the ball of Manchester United. First Aaron Wan-Bissaka holds the ball up and wins a foul before Facundo Pellistri does the same after substitute Jack Colback takes him out from behind.
Nottm Forest 0-2 Man Utd
81 mins: Another goal for Manchester United would probably kill off this tie but they don’t seem overly keen to push for one and potential let this two-goal cushion slip.
Nottingham Forest have to try and get one back before the final whistle.
Nottm Forest 0-2 Man Utd
78 mins: Nearly! A sweeping diagonal ball out to the right wing sees Facundo Pellistri bring the ball under control and squirt up to the side of the box.
He whips over a decent cross that Wout Weghorst wins in the air but nods wide of the back post!
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