Marcus Rashford’s sensational scoring run at the City Ground continued as Manchester United cruised to a three-goal victory over Nottingham Forest in next month’s EFL Cup final at Wembley.
Rashford’s superb solo effort gave United the lead six minutes into the semi-final first leg.
Wout Weghorst added a second just before the break with his first goal for the club and Bruno Fernandes wrapped up the scoring a minute from time to send Erik ten Hag’s men to Old Trafford in seven days as United. Made a healthy return. Try to end the trophy drought that stretched back to 2017.
Rashford’s goals took his tally to 10 since his return from the World Cup, underscoring his status as one of England’s most in-form players at the moment.
It was his fifth goal in that competition alone, making him the top scorer in the list.
Wighorst also had every reason to be pleased with himself as he reacted quickest after Wayne Hennessey saved Anthony’s low shot and headed home the rebound, while substitutes Facundo Pelestri and Anthony Ellinga were both involved. Because Fernandes outclassed Van Hennessy.
Den Haag punching the air in celebration underscored the importance of that third goal.
Steve Cooper’s hosts were brave in their approach but will look unlikely to emulate Brian Clough’s feat by reaching the final, something Forest have not done since 1992.
Ten in 10 for Rashford
No wonder ‘Gigs’ was trending on social media soon after Rashford’s opener.
There was certainly something familiar about the way Rashford collected Casemiro’s pass in his own half, then ran at the Forest defense from his left-wing station.
Rashford chose not to take his shirt off and roll it above his head in celebration as Ryan Giggs famously did after the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay winner against Arsenal at Villa Park, but it was still It was a wonderful effort.
One moment in particular caught the eye. Running into the box at speed, with the defenders in close attendance and with the ball on his favored right foot, Rashford changed his balance as he raced onto it, turning it into a left-footed strike, which he quickly converted to his near post. Drilled past Hennessey at the post.
This was indicative of his appearance at the time. Only Erling Haaland has scored more than his 18 in all competitions so far this season, which puts him in a strong position to negotiate a new deal, as his current deal expires in 18 months. happening
Unsurprisingly, ten Hague took him off with half an hour remaining. Having expressed his desire to build the best team in the world, the Dutchman’s chances of progressing with his current squad would be severely affected if Rashford was not involved.
Forest fail to make an impact
Forest boss Cooper deserves credit for setting his side up to attack their visitors.
In a repeat of the 1992 final, the hosts recovered from a slow start and deservedly equalized at the break.
They might have been if Serge had improved the timing of his run or Morgan Gibbs-White had played his passes a little earlier. As it was, Serge was marginally offside before beating David de Gea and VAR ruled it out.
De Gea saved well from Gustavo Scarpa before Brennan Johnson wasted a move that saw him beat Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez on his way into the United box and fire his shot high and wide. .
Forest kept pushing after half-time but seemed unsure they could salvage the situation.
Gibbs-White squandered his best chance before he was unceremoniously sent off 18 minutes from time with an injury to his obvious frustration and went straight down the tunnel.
