Manchester United are within touching distance of the Carabao Cup final after winning 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils took control of the game from the get-go, with Marcus Rashford continuing his fine form this season by netting a solo goal after six minutes. Rashford picked up the ball behind the halfway line, running the distance of the pitch and dribbling two defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.
While the home team appeared to have equalized in the 24th minute, VAR ruled the goal offside. Then, before the halftime interval, forward Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for the Red Devils to double their lead. Bruno Fernandes wrapped up the scoring in the 89th minute with a precise half-volley from distance.
“I am happy with Marcus’ performance and his development,” manager ten Hag said of Rashford, whose 10 goals in 10 games is the most for any player in Europe’s top five leagues since the World Cup. “We have to keep his process going and if he is in that mood and spirit I think he is unstoppable. It is up to the team to get him in the right positions.”
Nottingham Forest will travel to Man Utd for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal tie on Wednesday, February 1st.
