Manchester United all but sealed their place in the final after a dominant display at the City Ground tonight. Two goals in the first-half from Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst set them on their way before a late strike from Bruno Fernandes finished it off. Erik ten Hag will urge caution but fans are already planning their trip to Wembley.
Forest will feel a sense of regret after failing to do themselves justice in the game. It was a first semi-final in this competition since 1992 but they never looked likely to win tonight. Sam Sturridge had a goal ruled out for offside which was probably the closest they came to getting behind a Utd defence expertly marshalled by Lisandro Martinez.
Steve Cooper made four changes from their draw on Saturday with Bournmouth. Chris Wood, Dean Yates, Willy Boly, and Orel Mangala all made way. The former was absent due to being cup tied. Sam Sturridge who scored the equaliser was rewarded with a start, new signings Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo made their debuts. Scott McKenna also started. Erik ten Haag made three alterations from the loss to Arsenal. Casemiro returned after his suspension to replace Scott McTominay, while Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia came in for Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw.
It was the first time both sides have played each other at this ground since Utd won 8-1 back in 1999. And the home side got off to a wretched start. Marcus Rashford picked up the ball near the half-way line and drove straight towards goal. He beat Remo Freuler and Gustavo Scarpo for pace and slotted past Wayne Hennessy at his near post. It was his 10th goal in as many games.
The away side continued to come forward as they seemed determined to kill off the tie early on. There had been pressure placed on Antony after indifferent form. He had two efforts as he cut in from the right-hand side. Both opportunities curled just wide of the post though.
Forest thought they had drawn themselves level. A pass from Rashford was intercepted and they broke at speed. As the Utd back-line was retreating, Morgan Gibbs-White played a ball down the side for Sam Sturridge to slot into the bottom corner. The pass was just slightly late however, and it was ruled offside. Scarpo had a fantastic effort after a corner was half-cleared. David De Gea tipped it away however.
Antony could have made it two after neat interplay involving himself, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst. The latter flicked the ball through for the winger, but he was stretching for it which allowed Hennessy to block it with his feet.
The Brazilian was heavily involved in doubling the lead just before half-time. Casemiro picked up the ball and advanced forward. He played it out to Antony who shot low and hard at goal. Hennessy palmed it out, but it came back into the danger zone. Weghorst was alive to the danger to tap home his first goal for the club.
He almost netted his second just after the resumption. He won the ball initially before laying it off to Antony. He returned the favour to set the tall striker through on goal. Scott McKenna’s last ditch tackle saved the home side. Utd, and particularly Christian Eriksen, was then left cursing their luck. Casemiro found the Dane lurking with intent just outside the area. His curling shot was goal-bound until it struck the crossbar. The follow-up from Rashford was straight at the keeper.
Forest needed to find a response to get back into the game and were almost gifted a goal. Casemiro was too casual when bringing the ball out from his own area before he was robbed by Gibbs-White. He bore down on goal, but his final shot was off-target.
Truth be told, United seemed content to stroke the ball around between themselves as they sought to conserve energy after a busy period since the restart of the season. Ten Haag was able to bring off some of his key players to allow them rest and provide minutes for others. Facundo Pellistri could have sealed the tie once and for all after fellow substitute Fred robbed Serge Aurier. He played the Uruguayan through the centre. Hennessy managed to win the ball before he could get a touch on it.
A third did arrive and Pellestri was at the heart of it. He was played through by Fernandes to be denied by Hennessy again. The ball was recycled by Anthony Elanga who fed his captain who finished low into the corner. The reds fans had been singing all night and started up another round of Wembley chants. A surge caused one of the advertising boards to be knocked over. It was quickly dealt with by the security.
A pleased set of players and fans at the final whistle. It means that Ten Haag has the freedom to be able to rest players for the second leg with key league games ahead. More cup action awaits on Saturday at 20.00. Both sides play each other again next Tuesday at 20.00 in the second-leg of this encounter.
