Manchester United have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday night at the City Ground.
After suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Arsenal in a league match on Sunday, Erik ten Hag and his squad were eager to get back on track.
Marcus Rashford continued his impressive goal-scoring form in the sixth minute of the game, when he made a solo run from his own half, dribbled past defenders, and beat goalkeeper Wayne Hennesy to the near post, scoring his tenth goal in ten games and bringing his season total to 18 goals in all competitions.
Sam Surridge’s goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee, cutting short Forest’s celebrations after they believed they had retaliated immediately.
The recently signed Dutch striker Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for United just before halftime. Weghorst capitalized on the rebound of a well-placed shot from outside the penalty area by the Brazilian Antony and doubled their lead.
Young prospect Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga came on to replace Weghorst and Antony, while Alejandro Garnacho replaced Rashford. The Red Devils controlled the match.
United put the game away in the 89th minute when substitute Elanga set up Bruno Fernandes for a half-volley in the six-yard box.
Ten Hag and his team will take a commanding advantage into the second leg against coach Steve Cooper’s squad when they host them at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
»Man United advances to the Carabao Cup final with a 3-0 victory«