Manchester United did not need to win to reach the 2022/23 Carabao Cup final. The Red Devils entered the game with a three goal lead over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the semi-final played at the City Ground.
However, a two-goal victory in the second leg on Wednesday night helps a team already riding a wave of confidence. Anthony Martial and Fred scored the goals in quick succession in the second half.
As reward for winning 5-0 on aggregate, Manchester United host a final at Wembley with Newcastle United on February 26, live on ESPN+. In the other semi-final, the Magpies beat Southampton. Like Manchester United, Newcastle were victorious in both legs of their semi-final.
somewhat boring contest
Rain-soaked Old Trafford on Wednesday epitomized the game. A dull first half ensued as United had a close draw before the opening whistle. Erik ten Hag’s side only had to avoid a shocking upset at the hands of the team at the bottom of the Premier League table.
A defensive lineup surprised no one for ten Hag. At the same time, he didn’t have to play against Rashford or Martial. Instead, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho linked up with Wout Weghorst.
However, it was not the three strikers who appeared on the scoreboard. Instead, it was Martial, coming off the bench, who gave United the first goal that almost ended the tie. The Frenchman came on for Wout Weghorst in the 63rd minute. Then, 10 minutes later, he was lucky to score a goal. Originally, Martial tried to pass a ball to Rashford, but he missed the pass. The defender’s rebound went straight to Martial, who took matters into his own hands.
The second goal was much more attractive to look at. Bruno Fernandes finished off a ball with the outside of his right foot 20 meters from the goal. Rashford waited at the far post, while he crossed for Fred. All the Brazilian had to do was contact for United’s second.
Another big celebration for United was the return of Jadon Sancho. The English striker missed considerable time due to physical problems. This was his first game back since late October.
Starting the game to shore things up defensively, Fred added the surefire goal on the night just three minutes later. It was a comfortable performance from United. Forest only mustered 26% of possession, testing Tom Heaton in goal three times.
Newcastle await Man United in Carabao Cup final
United’s advance sets up a major clash with another team towards the top of the Premier League table. Newcastle United, one of the best teams in England this season, reached the Carabao Cup final. The two clubs sit third and fourth in the Premier League table and played out a spirited draw earlier in the season.
In that game, Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had scored the only goal of the game, but he came back because the play never started. United had numerous chances to take the lead. However, Newcastle, who have conceded just 11 Premier League goals this season, held on for the draw.
The Carabao Cup final is scheduled for February 26 at Wembley Stadium. The game will be shown on ESPN+, which is part of the Disney Bundle. Priced at $12.99/month, the Disney package includes ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
