Manchester United in EFL Cup final at Wembley. On Wednesday, Manchester United defeated a spirited Nottingham Forest team 2-0 to get to the Carabao Cup final (February 1). On February 26, the Red Devils will play Newcastle United in the championship game at Wembley.
The first half was fiercely contested as neither team had much firepower. In the 33rd minute, Brennan Johnson had the chance of a lifetime to warn United that the game was far from finished. The youthful Forest forward charged into the box but was stopped by Red Devils goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who did a commendable job.
Then it was Manchester United’s chance to go on the offense. In the 37th minute, Antony bravely shot a half-volley just rising past Wayne Hennesey’s goal for Forest. On the verge of the break, they came within inches once more as Casemiro’s exquisite cross found Wout Weghorst. The post was struck by the Dutch striker’s header.
When Scott McKenna challenged Weghorst in the Forest box in the 56th minute, the Red Devils insisted they should have been given a penalty. The Dutchman collapsed, but referee Peter Bankes did not award a penalty kick.
In the 63rd minute, Erik ten Hag replaced Weghorst, Antony, and Garnacho with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial. The trio that Manchester United brought on instantly made progress.
In the 72nd minute, Martial gave the Red Devils the lead and sealed their place in the Carabao Cup final. Rash ford’s deflected shot prompted the Frenchman to respond and score from close range.
In the 75th minute, Rashford was the recipient of Bruno Fernandes’ deft outside-of-the-foot cross, which Fred converted for his fourth goal of the year. The Brazilian striker received the ball and gave it to his partner without thinking twice from two yards out. Ten Hag made substitutions that altered the course of the match.
After some nice work from Danilo, Sam Surridge somehow missed a chance to score a consolation goal in the 82nd minute. Despite Heaton’s excellent stop of his shot, the English attacker was unable to capitalize. Surridge sent his attempt over the bar. With a 5-0 overall victory, Manchester United secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final. They are now one step closer to realizing their goal of capturing a trophy for the first time since 2017.
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