Manchester United registered a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro were recalled by United following Sunday’s defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The Red Devils made their intentions known on six minutes where the on-form Marcus Rashford ran through from his own half and cut into the danger area to apply a composed finish.
United went searching for a second goal after six minutes when Antony got hold of possession from the far side of the area and opened an angle before curling over target.
However, United’s lead was under threat 22 minutes gone as Sam Surridge dropped wide of the area and finished off a counter-attack only to see the effort ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Forest pushed forward again six minutes apart and a half-volley on the edge of the six-yard area by Gustavo Scarpa following a corner produced a remarkable save off goalkeeper David De Gea.
Steve Cooper’s men were two goals down on the stroke of halftime as Wout Weghorst applied a deft close-range finish from a spill by Hennessey and opened his account for the Red Devils.
United looked for more goals nine minutes in the second half and went close when Christian Eriksen’s stupendous shot from close-range rattled the upright before Hennessey denied Rashford a second.
The host came close to pull one back inside a few moments and tested De Gea from a low rasping shot by Morgan Gibbs-White, while Alejandro Garnacho replaced Rashford at opposite end.
United made the clash safe in added time when Bruno Fernandes applied a telling finish from decent play by Anthony Elanga and gave his side a comfortable advantage ahead of the second leg.
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