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Manchester United moved one step closer to ending their six-year trophy drought, after a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final
Marcus Rashford continued his blistering scoring form for Manchester United and loan signing Wout Weghorst scored his first for the club in a comfortable 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at the City ground.
On Manchester United's first visit to this stadium since a devastating 8-1 victory in February 1999, Erik ten Hag will have been looking to silence a raucous home crowd for such a big occasion.
Rashford's excellent form continues
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The Red Devils duly delivered an early blow and the pulsating atmosphere in the stadium was punctured when Rashford collected the ball 60 yards from goal and raced down the line before turning inside two defenders, moving into the area and side-footing home.
Appearing overawed by the importance of the contest, Forest looked vulnerable after conceding so soon.
United nearly killed the first leg of this semi-final much earlier than they eventually did, as Antony fired wide moments after the opening goal.
Ten Hag's men gradually released their foot from the gas pedal as the half went on, and Nottingham very nearly capitalised when Sam Surridge finished off a lightning counter attack, only to be ruled offside by the faintest of margins.
Weghorst opens his account
The visitors eventually doubled their lead when Wout Weghorst netted his first goal in United colours, smartly turning home a rebound with the outside of his foot.
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United came inches away from expanding their lead even further just after the restart when Christian Eriksen’s shot from the edge of the area struck the crossbar.
The Dane’s influence grew as the game progressed, as United took the sting out of the contest before eventually landing a third and likely fatal blow, doing so through Bruno Fernandes’ brilliantly-placed strike from the edge of the area.
The return leg now appears a formality for the Red Devils, who will feel more than capable of defending a three-goal lead on home turf, given that they’ve not lost at Old Trafford in any competition since September.
Player of the match - Marcus Rashford
He played less than an hour, but once more he was the star of the show. His goal was superb and throughout his time on the field his silky touches brought fellow players into play and had Forest backpedalling furiously.
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