Manchester United took control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest, by earning a 3-0 away win in Wednesday’s first leg. Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes netted for the Red Devils to give them a huge advantage ahead of next week’s reverse meeting at Old Trafford.
United started the game on the front foot and netted within six minutes via Rashford. The England international picked up the ball just inside his own half and ended the move by squirming between Joe Worrall and Remo Freuler inside the box and poked it past Wayne Hennessey in the Forest goal.
Despite United’s strong start in the East Midlands, Sam Surridge scored against the run of play after 23 minutes, but saw the goal agonisingly chalked off for offside in the build-up. That stirred Foret into life, with David de Gea keeping out shots from Gustavo Scarpa and Morgan Gibbs-White, before Brennan Johnson fired over.
The visitors ended a back-and-forth half in the ascendancy, with Antony’s strike held by Hennessey, while the winger had curled two shots off target earlier on. United’s no.21 was also involved in his team’s second just before the break, with Hennessey pushing his effort from outside the box into the path of Weghorst, who reacted quickly to finish with the outside of his right foot.
The second half was a tighter affair, with few gilt-edged chances for either side, although De Gea did have to keep out Danilo and Gibbs-White efforts early on, before the latter shot over. As for United, they went closest from Christian Eriksen’s curled strike which hit the crossbar from the edge of the area, with Rashford forcing Hennessey into a save from the follow-up.
But Fernandes added a third in 89th minute when he fired in a half volley from Anthony Elanga’s pass, following an attack which Fernandes created himself with a through ball into Facundo Pellistri. Here’s how we rated the players...
Despite United’s strong start in the East Midlands, Sam Surridge scored against the run of play after 23 minutes, but saw the goal agonisingly chalked off for offside in the build-up. That stirred Foret into life, with David de Gea keeping out shots from Gustavo Scarpa and Morgan Gibbs-White, before Brennan Johnson fired over.
5. Tyrell Malacia- 6
Had a few difficult moments early on but ended strongly at left-back.
6. Casemiro- 6
Was better in the second half as he struggled with Forest’s midfield runners in the first period. Casemiro’s passing was on point in Nottingham.
7. Christian Eriksen- 6 (off 71)
Improved as the game went on but was a tad profligate in possession. The midfielder went close with a great shot not long after half-time.
8. Antony- 7 (off 71)
Produced some dangerous moments cutting in off the right and linked well with team-mates.