Manchester United (H) 28/02/24

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United

                                                        Casemiro 88'

 

Forest’s last cup trophy came in 1990 and after setting up a tie against giants, Manchester United, they were looking to get their hands on another piece of silverware. A late controversial goal meant their dreams were crushed and the focus goes back to Premier League survival.

 

Nuno’s men set up a home time against the Red Devils for only the 6^th time in the FA Cup. After their last round went to penalties to Bristol City, Reds fans were looking forward to a fixture that would send them one game away from Wembley. Forest’s last home game against United ended in a 2-1 for the hosts after a winner from Morgan Gibbs-White. It was the Reds first Premier League win against United since 1994. The two sides previous FA Cup games have ended in 4 wins for Forest with United having only 1 which is the year they went on to win their 7^th trophy in the competition. Forest were also aiming to reach the quarter finals for the 2nd time in the last 3 seasons after doing so in 21/22. They’ve only reached this stage twice in the last 30 seasons. The visitors would be breaking the record for the most quarter finals reached with 48 as they’re currently tied on 47 with Everton.

 

Manchester United have been hit with many injuries recently with their biggest misses being top goal scorer Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw. Ten Hag’s lack of players meant he named 4 teenagers on his bench. As for Forest, they were without the 3 returning AFCON players and Chris Wood. Nuno Tavares picked up a recent injury too meaning he’ll be out for 4 weeks.

 

The visitors got off to the better start. It took Antony just 4 minutes to hit the crossbar. Following a linkup between Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho from a corner taken short, the Portuguese played the ball across the box to an on running Antony who rattled the bar from around 15 yards. He left goalkeeper Matt Turner with no chance. Just 3 minutes later, United broke down their right before Diogo Dalot whipped in a cross and Scott McTominay headed a powerful shot at goal. Luckily for Turner the attempt was straight at him and he managed to parry the ball away from danger.

 

The home side managed to have some chances of their own. Danilo played the ball for Divock Origi who forced Andre Onana into a simple save after an early shot. Origi broke forward again before playing a ball into the box for Taiwo Awoniyi whose first time shot was blocked by Victor Lindelof before he had another opportunity that was once again blocked by the defender.

 

We had a very end to end game now. United had a chance through Marcus Rashford who fired over after a deflected cutback ended up in his path. Up the other end, Amrabat’s poor back pass was intercepted by Awoniyi who took once touch before striking from a tight angle and pulling out a good save from Onana. Origi was again showing bright sparks for the Reds intercepting a poor touch from Casemiro who made his way to the edge of the box before powerfully striking over.

 

United broke forward through Dalot after he drove into space beyond Toffolo into the box. He crossed towards the near post where McTominay arrived with a glancing header which pulled out a brilliant reaction time save from Turner. The Scottish midfielder looked for an ambitious overhead kick attempt which ended up well over. Forest ended the half with 2 more chances through a half volley from Neco Williams on the edge of the box and Antony Elanga who fired well over the bar.

 

Halftime, 0-0.

 

After the break, Forest started the brighter side. Elanga broke forward before playing a more central pass to Awoniyi and turning Dalot. The Nigerian striker’s left footed effort was straight at Onana who parried away before Dalot cleared. Origi had a chance too after skipping past Casemiro and firing a left footed shot at goal which the United ‘keeper parried away with 2 hands.

 

Ten Hag’s side managed to take control of the game having the majority of possession and chances. Antony and Fernandes both had chances which were either saved or looping over the bar.  Rashford broke forward but Felipe and Murillo got tight managing to win the ball but the United winger went down looking for a penalty. Forest got away with a scare too after Fernandes and Garnacho played a one-two down the left before the United captain drove a low shot at goal which hit McTominay before rolling inches wide.

 

Half chances continued to fall for both teams with both keepers making routine saves. United remained on top still with more and better chances from Diallo and Antony although Forest still broke forward and had some of their own through Murillo and Gibbs-White. They finally took the lead in the 88^th minute after Elanga gave away a silly free kick. Fernandes put the ball in towards the near post. Casemiro managed to break away from Danilo before heading through Turners legs to send the travelling fans crazy. A lengthy VAR followed after officials were looking at Rapheal Varane who was stood in an offside position blocking Felipe from getting to the ball. The goal was given after 5 minutes to Forest’s despair but Red’s fans argued the goal which got disallowed for Liverpool in Sunday’s Caraboa Cup final was the exact same.

 

Just 2 minutes from full time, VAR got involved again after images showed Felipe looked to strangle Fernandes after a confrontation. The decision could’ve gone either way but it went in Forest’s favour as the defender only used 1 hand. This was the last action of the game as Forest couldn’t find a late equaliser to take it to extra time.

 

In my opinion, we were unlucky to lose the game. We were the better team with the better chances and on a different day we may have scored more. Origi was vital in attack yesterday creating a lot for us after his bright spell off the bench at Villa. Felipe also made up for his poor performance on Saturday playing really well. Maybe he did get a bit lucky not to see red but it wouldn’t have made much difference. I think the goal shouldn’t have stood as Liverpool’s goal got disallowed for the same thing but United usually get decisions in their favour. Although its disappointing to go out the way we did, in a way I’m glad we went out because it gives us more of a focus on the League. For the neutral it was a very exciting game especially in the first half with loads of opportunities. Bring on Liverpool!      

           

Forest: Turner; Williams, Felipe, Murillo, Toffolo; Danilo (Ribiero 90'),Yates (Reyna 90'); Elanga, Gibbs-White, Origi (Hudson-Odoi 79'); Awoniyi 

 

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat (Evans 90'); Casemiro, McTominay (Mainoo 90'); Antony (Diallo 73'), Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford