Manchester United completed its mission tonight (Wednesday) and advanced to the final of the League Cup after 0:2 over Nottingham Forest and 0:5 in the summary of the two games on the way to a meeting with Newcastle for the title.
Erik ten Haah made quite a few changes in the lineup and let Tom Heaton open between the posts, with youngster Alejandro Granacho getting the credit on the Red Devils’ left wing. Despite almost complete control of the host, United was unable to get into too many dangerous situations against the stubborn defense of the newcomer. In first-half stoppage time, Voet and Horst struck to put the Red Devils in the best position of the first half.
Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, who made his first appearance in the red uniform since October, stepped up during the second half, and in the 73rd minute the French striker parried Marcus Rashford’s well-handled tackle, but Martial scored on the rebound to give United the lead. Three minutes later, Fred pushed over from close range after Rashford’s cross at the end of a great attack from Ten Haag’s players who danced on the turf at Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, this is the first qualification for the League Cup final since 2017, when they beat Southampton 3:2 on the way to a fifth title win. United, who are in fourth place in the Premier League table, will meet third-placed Newcastle in their first final since 1976, and looking for a title for the first time since 1955, when the Magpies won the FA Cup.
The English League Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle will be held on February 26 at Wembley Stadium.