(Manchester United–Nottingham 2–0, 5–0 on aggregate) It is six years since Manchester United won a final. Now they have another chance.
Now there will be a league cup final against Newcastle at Wembley on February 26.
Manchester United won 3–0 in the first semi-final against Nottingham Forest, and quite early on it became clear that this was hardly the night for a minor Nottingham Forest miracle.
– It is a good feeling to be in a final. Important, because we wanted it. But we will play many games first, we must focus on the league. We don’t have time to enjoy this, says United captain Bruno Fernandes on TV3’s broadcast.
– We have worked hard to change things this season. Better effort, so we deserve this, says Fernandes.
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper could do nothing but congratulate.
– Good luck at Wembley. The damage was already done for us, says Cooper after they lost the first semi-final big on TV 3’s broadcast and adds that he is disappointed.
And when Manchester United made three substitutions in the second half, the home team gained momentum. First, substitute Anthony Martial scored, and before the jubilation was over, Fred made it 2-0 after he was served by substitute Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United needed a final now. It has been six years since they last won a final. In 2017, they won both the league cup with 3–2 over Southampton and the Europa League final after 2–0 against Ajax.
Who will win the league cup final?
Opponent Newcastle beat Southampton on Tuesday night, when they secured their place in the final.
Marcus Rashford has had a phenomenal season and something happened to Manchester United when Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho were substituted in a triple substitution after 62 minutes. Out went Wout Weghorst, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
Since 2017, Manchester United have been in two finals, but they lost the Europa League final against Villarreal in 2021 on penalties. In 2018, they lost the FA Cup final against Chelsea, after Eden Hazard decided the final with a penalty.
It was a slow start to the game in pouring rain at Old Trafford. The home team eventually had the best chances, and the biggest in the first half came after 44 minutes when Wout Weghorst put the ball in the post. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was nowhere near, but the post ensured that the teams went to half-time scoreless:
