Manchester United are on their way to Wembley.
It would take something big for Nottingham Forest to cause an upset at this stage. Some might say beating United 3-0 at Old Trafford is an impossible task for Steve Cooper’s side, especially when Erik ten Hag approaches every game with the same mentality… to win.
United made the perfect start after just six minutes when Marcus Rashford continued his incredible goalscoring run. He scored after picking up the ball in his own half and ran through Forest’s defenders like they were bollards.
The Reds doubled their lead when Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for the club just before half-time. Shortly before the final whistle, Bruno Fernandes sealed the win when he fired home from outside the box.
Here’s three observations we took from the game:
Ten Hag continues ruthless run in cup competitions
Ten Hag wants to win everything as far as I can see. Every trophy, game and tackle. The Dutchman will be reminded throughout the season that the fans have gone over five years without seeing the team lift a trophy.
United named a strong line-up tonight, as we’ve done in previous rounds of the Carabao Cup, which shows how serious Ten Hag is taking the competition. United have now won 18 of the 20 games in which they have gone in front first and that bodes well in cup competitions.
By getting back to winning ways tonight, beating Forest by three goals, United have one foot in the final. Let’s get to Wembley and end the trophy drought!
There is no stopping Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s tally since the World Cup now stands at 10 goals and 2 assists. He is in the form of his career and tonight he scored a truly stunning wonder goal.
The England star picked the ball up in his own half before driving past the Forest defence. Rashford made no mistake beating Wayne Hennessy from close range.
United’s top scorer this season by some distance!
United finally have a presence up top
Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for United this season, in his third appearance since joining on loan. Tonight he was exceptional up front and acted like a wall for Rashford and Antony to link up with.
The goal was deserved and he took it well. I’ve been saying it all season when Cristiano Ronaldo was playing that we lacked any real presence up front, but I can already see the different Weghorst is making and long may it last.
Weghorst will be aiming to add to his tally over the coming weeks.