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    Man Utd 2-0 Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Martial on target as Red Devils cruise into Carabao Cup final

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reached the Carabao Cup final after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in their second leg (5-0 on aggregate).Fred and Anthony Martial scored the goals in the second leg as the Red Devils cruised at Old Trafford.
    The Carabao Cup final is on Sunday, February 26.

    Result: Man Utd 2-0 Nottingham Forest (5-0 agg)
    Man Utd XI: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Weghorst
    Nottingham Forest XI: Hennessey, Williams, McKenna, Boly, Lodi, Freuler, Scarpa, Mangala, Dennis, Johnson, Surridge

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    Goodnight from Old Trafford
    Twelve consecutive wins at home, back into the top four, and now in a Wembley final; Manchester United are truly back under Erik ten Hag.
    This evening’s contest was little more than a formality following last week’s win at Nottingham Forest, but the Red Devils showed the required focus to finish the job with another victory.
    The reward is a Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle United, bringing back memories of the 1990s when the two clubs went toe-to-toe.
    As for Forest, they showed grit and willing to stay in the tie, but were ultimately outclassed – and now it’s back to the important matter: staying in the Premier League.
    Thanks for joining us, and goodbye.
    Pass master Bruno learnt from Quaresma
    Bruno Fernandes put in a man of the match performance in midfield, and then afterwards paid tribute to his former mentor Ricardo Quaresma.
    The Portuguese international helped create Manchester United’s second of the night with a wonderful cross with the outside of his foot, an execution he revealed he learnt from his compatriot.
    I learned from [Ricardo] Quaresma. I had a great professor in Portugal. You have to learn from these players. You have to learn their tricks. You have to use them.Bruno FernandesSky Sports

    Erik praises professional performance
    After reaching his first final as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag praises his players for a professional and patient performance – although pointed out that they still needed to up the ante in the second period.
    The first half wasn’t great to be honest. I thought it was professional, but too slow and we didn’t create too many chances. The second half was much better with more tempo. We were 3-0 up so I didn’t want to give them momentum early on. They were waiting for one chance to get into the game. We were searching for the gaps, but I think Forest played well, and were compact.Erik ten HagSky Sports

    Ten Hag restores fortress status
    Old Trafford is a fortress once again.
    With victory this evening, Manchester United extended their winning streak at the Theatre of Dreams to 12 games. It’s their best home run in more than a decade.

    Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham (PL, Oct 19)
    Man Utd 3-0 Sheriff (EL, Oct 27)
    Man Utd 1-0 West Ham (PL, Oct 30)
    Man Utd 4-2 Aston Villa (LC, Nov 10)
    Man Utd 2-0 Burnley (LC, Dec 21)
    Man Utd 3-0 Nott’m Forest (PL, Dec 27)
    Man Utd 3-0 Bournemouth (PL, Jan 3)
    Man Utd 3-1 Everton (FAC, Jan 6)
    Man Utd 3-0 Charlton (LC, Jan 10)
    Man Utd 2-1 Man City (PL, Jan 14)
    Man Utd 3-1 Reading (PL, Jan 28)
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (LC, Feb 1)

    Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
    Final showcases two best defences
    With two clean sheets over the course of their semi-final with Nottingham Forest, Manchester United took the number of shutouts for the season to 16.
    Only Newcastle – who they now face in the Carabao Cup Final on February 26 – have registered as many this season.
    Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
    Match stats from Old Trafford
    The introduction of Martial, Rashford and Sancho in the second half saw Manchester United cut loose in the second half, leaving Forest trailing in every attacking area.

    Full time – Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    It was never in doubt, but now it is official: Manchester United will play Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday, February 26, at Wembley.
    The job was all but done in the first leg, but sealed tonight in the second half by goals from Anthony Martial and Fred.

    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    90. The fourth official holds the board up to signal one minute of added time.
    One minute before Manchester United officially book their place at Wembley.
    One minute before Nottingham Forest are put out of their misery.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    89. Bruno Fernandes is awarded Sky Sports’ Man of the Match – which is probably just about right.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0) – Nott’m Forest substitutions
    87. Steve Cooper takes the opportunity to introduce a couple of youngsters.
    On comes 20-year-old midfielder Oliver Hammond along with 18-year-old striker Detlef Esapa Osong, who is making his debut.
    The pair replace Sam Surridge and Gustavo Scarpa.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    86. Excellent play by United.
    Martial and Sancho are both involved before Fernandes is sent to the touchline from where he rockets a shot across the face of goal.
    Rashford in the middle isn’t happy, but it was another example of how quickly this United team can cut you open.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    84. Just a few minutes remain, and there is no doubt now that it will be Manchester United that face Newcastle in the League Cup final on February 26.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    82. A big opportunity for a Forest consolation.
    Danilo gets away from United’s backline, and strikes powerfully towards Heaton.
    The stand-in United stopper does very well to turn the effort away, but it lands directly into the path of Surridge, who should score.
    Unfortunately for the rangy striker, he lifts his return volley over the crossbar.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0) – Man Utd substitutions
    80. Two final changes for United, and it’s a change in the heart of defence.
    On comes Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, off go Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    78. It’s the Manchester United fans that you can hear now, and Erik ten Hag is just 90 minutes away from silverware in his first season at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd 2-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 5-0)
    76. The floodgates open and Fred gets in on the act!
    Manchester United are looking sharper with every passing minute, and Nottingham Forest are wilting away.
    On this occasion, not one player in yellow tracked Marcus Rashford’s run to the back post as he collected Bruno Fernandes’ fabulous cross, and the England international had the simplest job in squaring for Fred to turn in with his thigh.

    And another!

    Man Utd 1-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 4-0)
    73. Anthony Martial seals Manchester United’s trip to Wembley!
    The triple change from Erik ten Hag has given the hosts’ extra intent, and they’ve finally made their dominance pay.
    Nottingham Forest fail to live with the attacking flair of United, and when one substitute – Marcus Rashford – is denied by an excellent Scott McKenna tackle, another in Martial follows up to turn past Wayne Hennessey.

    Job done!

    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0)
    72. Man Utd fans start to sing about going to Wembley.
    Although it’s worth pointing out that they haven’t had to make that train trip since Avanti West Coast won the contract.
    Good luck, guys!
    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0)
    70. Fernandes flashes a shot wide of the near post after a neat lay back from Sancho, but it wouldn’t have counted as the flag was up for offside.
    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0) – Casemiro yellow card
    68. A booking for Casemiro.
    It’s perhaps unfortunate for the Brazilian in so much as he slips when approaching Dennis, but he undoubtedly takes him out as he goes to ground.
    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0)
    66. United are turning to turn the screw.
    First, Casemiro forces Hennessey into making a save, and then Rashford comes close to mopping up after a Martial shot is blocked.
    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0) – Nott’m Forest substitutions
    64. Steve Cooper decides that anything Erik ten Hag can do, so can he – as long as it’s a triple substitution.
    The Welshman brings on Alex Mighten, Serge Aurier and Danilo in place of Brennan Johnson, Renan Lodi and Remo Freuler.
    Man Utd 0-0 Nott’m Forest (Agg: 3-0) – Man Utd substitutions
    62, Well, this isn’t a bad trio to have up your sleeve.
    Erik ten Hag introduces Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and – for the first time since October 22 – Jadon Sancho to huge cheers.
    Off go Wout Weghorst, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
    Load more entries… More

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    ‘Don’t know what he’s thinking!’ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Wout Weghorst after missing sitter vs Forest

    ROY KEANE tore into Wout Weghorst after he missed a sitter against Nottingham Forest.The striker, who scored in the first leg last week, hit the post when it appeared easier to score.

    Casemiro played in a brilliant cross but loanee Weghorst headed onto the post to deny Manchester United an opener.
    Keane was shocked by the miss and criticised the Dutchman at half-time.
    He said on Sky Sports: “He has to score, I don’t know what he was thinking. He was brought in for his aerial ability.”
    Pundit Michael Dawson agreed with his colleague, adding the 6ft 6in forward “had to score”.
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    BBC pundit Richard McFadden was more sympathetic to the striker, who was mere inches away from scoring his first Old Trafford goal.
    He said: “Weghorst was on the move, it’s a great ball in and he does really well to direct the header. He’s unfortunate to see it crash off the post.”

    Weghorst’s header was United’s best chance of an uninspired first half.
    Visitors Forest had the better of the play with the Red Devils happy to defend their 3-0 aggregate lead.
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    United improved after the break and goals from Anthony Martial and Fred gave them a 2-0 win.
    Weghorst scored once in his first four United games after arriving on loan from Burnley.
    But Erik ten Hag will be hoping for a better return after the club paid Besiktas £2.5million to cancel the striker’s loan at the Turkish club. More

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    Man Utd loan transfer signing Marcel Sabitzer wraps up and takes seat in stands for Nottingham Forest Carabao Cup clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED newboy Marcel Sabitzer watched his new team from the Old Trafford stands against Nottingham Forest.The midfielder completed a deadline day loan move from Bayern Munich.
    Marcel Sabitzer watches Manchester United take on Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    The midfielder was dressed up warmlyCredit: Getty
    He jetted into Manchester last night to finalise the switch and was at The Theatre of Dreams to watch his new team-mates in action as they beat Forest 2-0.
    The Austrian was dressed up warmly as he braved the cold in a woolly hat and fur-lined coat.
    Sabitzer was brought in as an emergency after Christian Eriksen suffered a long-term injury at the weekend.
    The Dane could be out of action until May so United decided to sign Sabitzer after tracking the 28-year-old since the summer.
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    Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the former RB Leipzig star.
    In fact, the Red Devils turned down the chance to sign four other players before moving for Sabitzer.
    However Ten Hag was unable to pick him against Forest as the midfielder is still awaiting his visa.
    Ten Hag will hope the loanee is available for Saturday’s clash against Crystal Palace and will want to get him up to speed quickly.
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    Sabitzer’s arrival gives Ten Hag a few tactical options with the player able to play as a deep-lying midfielder or as a no10.
    He is equally capable out wide and will hope to chip in with goals and assists as United looked to end their trophy drought. More

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    When is the Carabao Cup 2023 final? Date, kick-off time, TV channel and live stream details

    THE first domestic final of the season, the Carabao Cup final, is nearly amongst us!Newcastle will take on Manchester United in the mouth-watering final at Wembley.
    Sean Longstaff scored twice as the Magpies cruisedCredit: Getty
    The Magpies stormed their way into the final after beating Southampton 3-1 on aggregate.
    Eddie Howe’s side have not won a major trophy in 68 years as he looks to make history.
    While United cruised into the final after beating Nottingham Forest 5-0 on aggregate.
    And, just like last year, we could get extra-time and penalties if the match ends a draw.
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    When is the Carabao Cup final?
    The Carabao Cup final 2023 takes place on Sunday, February 26.
    The match kicks off at 4.30pm UK time.
    What TV channel is the Carabao Cup final on?
    The Carabao Cup final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
    What happened in the final last year?
    Liverpool won the final at Wembley after beating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties following 120 minutes of goalless action.
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    Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the crucial penalty and saved none despite coming on late in extra-time.
    Liverpool won the Carabao Cup last yearCredit: Reuters
    The Blues had three goals ruled out for offside in normal time while Liverpool had one of their own disallowed. More

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    Jesse Lingard injured in warm-up and OUT of Carabao Cup semi-final clash against former club Man Utd

    JESSE LINGARD was ruled OUT of Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Manchester United.The former Red Devils star picked up an injury in the warm up.
    Jesse Lingard was injured in the warm up ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    Lingard was named in the starting line up but had to be replaced by Emmanuel DennisCredit: AFP

    He was then withdrawn from the game against his former side.
    Lingard, 30, was replaced in the starting line up by Emmanuel Dennis.
    The attacking midfielder was seen working with a Forest trainer on the Old Trafford turf ahead of the game.
    And Lingard appeared to wince as he stretched out.
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    He pulled out of the starting line up just minutes before the match kicked off.
    Forest boss Steve Cooper confirmed after the game that Lingard had picked up an achilles problem.
    The injury came as a blow to the playmaker, who would have been hoping to have an impact for Forest against his old club.
    Former United and Forest midfielder Roy Keane said on Sky Sports: “Jesse getting an injury in the warm-up, it’s never nice for a player and the manager, but they’ve got options and Dennis is coming in.
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    “Listen, it’s not the end of the world but it’s not ideal. Hopefully Jesse is not too badly injured.”
    Cooper was also without Morgan Gibbs-White for the match due to injury.
    Lingard has enjoyed a prolific Carabao Cup campaign, scoring twice and providing two assists in just three games.
    Forest travelled to Old Trafford needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.
    But the Red Devils coasted to a 2-0 victory on home soil, sending them into the final 5-0 on aggregate.
    Lingard left United for good last summer, having played 232 games for the club, and first joining the academy aged seven. More

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    Fans all say the same thing as Tom Heaton is picked to START for Man Utd in Carabao Cup clash against Nottingham Forest

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been left confused after Tom Heaton was selected to play against Nottingham Forest.Erik ten Hag has made six changes to the side that beat Reading 3-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday.
    Tom Heaton will start in goal against Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
    Fans questioned why Jack Butland was signed if he isn’t going to playCredit: Alamy
    David De Gea misses out with veteran shot-stopper Heaton taking his place.
    But after signing Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace last month United fans are wondering why he was not picked.
    One said: “What’s the point of loaning in Butland if you’re going to play Heaton.”
    Another added: “What even was the point of Butland?”

    And a third said: “Forgot we signed Butland as our bus driver 😐”
    Another commented: “What was the point of signing Jack Butland when we’re starting Heaton 🤔”
    Ten Hag has decided to rest Marcus Rashford with his side 3-0 up on aggregate after the first leg.
    Jadon Sancho has also been selected in the matchday squad for the first time since October.
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    The winger was given an individual training programme during the World Cup and was not deemed to be physically or mentally fit enough to play over the last few weeks.
    Sancho returned to first-team training last month and he could get a chance to prove himself against Forest.
    Ten Hag revealed the 22-year-old was making progress and was in contention to play last weekend.
    The Red Devils boss said: “He is training with the team & we will see.
    “He’s improving, he’s making steps & we will make the decision after the training.” More

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    Inside Newcastle’s wild dressing room celebrations as Eddie Howe takes Toon to Wembley for first time in 24 years

    NEWCASTLE celebrated jubilantly in the dressing room after securing a return to Wembley for the first time since 1999.Eddie Howe’s men beat Southampton 2-1 at St James’ Park on Tuesday night to clinch a 3-1 aggregate victory in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
    Sean Longstaff scored twice as Newcastle booked their place at WembleyCredit: Reuters
    The Newcastle squad celebrated brilliantly in the dressing room

    Dan Burn stormed Sean Longstaff’s interview before cracking everyone upCredit: NUFC TV
    Eddie Howe is continuing to do a sensational job at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
    They will now face Man Utd or Nottingham Forest in the final at Wembley on February 26.
    And the scenes in the dressing room after the match were ones of overwhelming joy.
    A clip released by Newcastle’s official Twitter account showed local boys Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff heading down the tunnel as they were congratulated by all those around them.
    Longstaff received a rapturous reception from the rest of his team-mates following a sublime performance – which was capped by two goals.
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    The squad and members of the backroom staff then posed for photos as they bounced up and down in celebration.
    And another brilliant clip was also shared by Newcastle as fans were given a window into the scenes after full-time.
    It came when defender Burn decided to crash Longstaff’s post-match interview with NUFC TV.
    The former Brighton man stormed into shot before hilariously announcing: “I’m happy, I’m happy, I’m going to get me suit measured! Come on the lads!”
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    Newcastle will now look to go one step further and lift their first major trophy since 1955.
    Speaking after the game, Howe told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It feels really good tonight.
    “I am delighted for everyone connected with the club. It really was a tense night.
    “It was a great atmosphere and brilliant environment for the players to play in.”
    Newcastle have been a revitalised club since the Saudi takeover and Howe replacing Steve Bruce as manager.
    They are fourth in the Premier League table and now in with a serious chance of silverware.
    Next up for the Magpies is a home game against West Ham on Saturday, before they travel to Bournemouth on February 11. More

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    Fans baffled at Jacob Murphy ‘cameo’ as star is subbed off just half an hour after coming on in Carabao Cup semi-final

    FOOTBALL fans were left baffled at Jacob Murphy’s “cameo” appearance in the Carabao Cup semi-final.The 27-year-old came on for Newcastle in the 61st minute during the 2-1 win over Southampton, which sent the Magpies to Wembley.
    Jacob Murphy came on in the 61st minute against Southampton before being subbed off later in the gameCredit: AFP
    Fans were left baffled by Murphy’s “cameo”Credit: Getty
    Murphy had fans in stitches last week for waving off Duje Caleta-Car as the Saints man was sent off in the first legCredit: Reuters
    But bizarrely, Murphy didn’t see out the rest of the game on the pitch.
    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe subbed him OFF in the 90th minute for 20-year-old midfielder Elliot Anderson.
    It meant Murphy played just 29 minutes of action, with the decision to take him off seemingly one purely to tick more seconds off the clock.
    Not that Murphy seemed to mind, as fans claimed he smiled while walking off the pitch after helping his side to a first Wembley final in 24 years.
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    Cameras were said to then swap to Southampton ace Duje Caleta-Car on the bench, who Murphy cheekily waved off in last week’s first leg after the Saints man was shown a red card.
    Caleta-Car was banned for Southampton’s game at the weekend, but returned to the bench for the Carabao Cup clash.
    Murphy’s “cameo” left some baffled, while other Toon supporters on social media again praised Murphy for his “s***housery” as he smiled while being subbed off, having come on earlier in the game.
    One wrote on Twitter: “That Jacob Murphy cameo there.”
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    Another said: “Confused to why Jacob Murphy got brought on them took off.”
    A third quipped: “Ahahahaha Jacob Murphy coming on in the second half and going off in the second half.”
    A fourth joked: “Jacob Murphy deserves a new contract and praise purely just because of the vibes and s***housery that he brings.”
    And another added: “Jacob Murphy laughing and smiling after getting subbed is too s***housery and then Sky putting the camera on Caleta-Car.” More