More stories

  • in

    I’m a Man Utd fan and these are the competitions I’d sacrifice this season to bring back the glory days

    ERIK TEN HAG may have to sacrifice the Europa League and FA Cup in order to win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football this season.If you had said to any Man Utd supporter in August, following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and then Brentford, that they would be in the top four and have one foot in the Carabao Cup Final, most would have laughed and bitten your hand off.  
    Man Utd are set to reach the Carabao Cup final and sit fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP
    It’s crazy that a little over 10 days ago we were even discussing the possibility of a title challenge as well.  
    But a draw at Crystal Palace and defeat to high-flying Arsenal mean that is certainly not going to happen this season.  
    What is universally agreed amongst United supporters is just how well Ten Hag is doing given the numerous obstacles he has faced.  
    In this January window alone, he’s having to watch as most of his rivals for the top four are splashing the cash.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And although Wout Weghorst is a welcome addition up-front, there’s so much more required in other areas.
    United, traditionally, have done very little in the January window, but the gaps are significant.  
    On top of this, the manager has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation very well, along with the impending sale of the club and other disciplinary matters.  
    It’s the lack of squad depth that is the real issue, though. 
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It makes you wonder, with United placed so nicely in the Premier League, if Ten Hag might be happy to sacrifice one of the FA Cup or Europa League.  
    It’s not something that he would ever publicly admit – and we’ve heard him say that “we must win every game” – but it’s simply not possible.
    There’s no doubt Ten Hag’s United will try and win every game, but will the XI he puts out be capable of doing so?  
    United play eight times in February alone, which works out as a match every three and a half days.  
    People have pointed to the run United had in 1999 but they only faced six matches in February that year, and had a far superior squad.  
    So it’ll come down to fixture management.
    Jurgen Klopp was a huge supporter of English football when he managed in Germany.
    But, after joining Liverpool, he was alarmed at how much football was played over here during the winter period.  
    We watched him tinker sufficiently in earlier years, in a way the great Sir Alex Ferguson once did.
    Hopefully Ten Hag doesn’t try to compete on too many levels – which could end with United missing out on a place in the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final. 
    Whatever happens, the signs are that United are on their way back.
    Read More on The Sun
    Hopefully the fans are smiling come May and not rueing a squad that was simply pushed too far.
    Tom McDermott is the host of The Red Devils Podshow which you can subscribe or listen to here. More

  • in

    Nottingham Forest 0 Man Utd 3 LIVE RESULT: Rashford inspires rampant Red Devils to close in on Carabao Cup final

    MANCHESTER UNITED are determined to end their six year trophy drought this season – and they are on track to do just that.Marcus Rashford’s fantastic solo goal fired the visitors ahead early doors.
    And Wout Weghorst doubled United’s lead before Bruno Fernandes rounded off a rampant display over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

    RESULT: Nott’m Forest 0-3 Man Utd
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
    Nott’m Forest XI: Hennessey; Aurier, Worrall, McKenna, Lodi; Danilo, Freuler, Gibbs-White; Scarpa; Surridge, Johnson
    Man Utd XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Weghorst, Rashford

    THE BEST CASINO BONUSES FOR PLAYERS IN THE UK: TOP 10 SITES FOR 2023
    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Cooper left reeling what could have been
    Sam Surridge’s disallowed goal ended up being a pivotal moment of this semi-final.
    It was poor play by the striker to drift into an offside position when he had so much space and could see right across the United line.
    Had the goal stood, this could have been a completely different evening for those who packed out the City Ground.
    Instead, it is the travelling Man Utd fans who will party long into the night.
    United look to regain winning mentality
    With the FA Cup looming this weekend, followed by the second-leg of the EFL Cup, ten Hag’s side have a run of very winnable games.
    Only Crystal Palace and Arsenal were able dent their confidence by taking points off them in their last two league games.
    United now have a chance to put those dropped points behind them.

    Portu-geezer hits hundred club
    Bruno Fernandes’ goal this evening was his 100th goal involvement in a Man Utd shirt.
    He has become an integral part of ten Hag’s side with the trio of Fernandes, Eriksen and Casemiro really gelling.
    Their games compliment one another, as you can see by the ground covered by United’s playmaker this evening.

    FT: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Man Utd
    The United fans celebrate their victory as they can now dream of that trip to Wembley.
    Not many bookies will be giving odds on a 4-0 Forest win at Old Trafford.
    Erik ten Hag’s side have won this evening without even getting out of second gear.

    FT: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Man Utd
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    Solid performance from the Red Devils.
    Bouncing back from two disappointing league results.
    Nottingham Forest 0-3 Man Utd
    90+2. Lisandro Martinez is awarded the man of the match award.
    The away fans sing ‘We’re going to Wembley’.
    Forest fans flock from the ground as the home end looks like there has been a fire-drill.
    Credit: Getty
    Nottingham Forest 0-3 Man Utd
    90. That could be the end of the EFL Cup for Forest.
    Fernandes catches the ball on the half volley from the edge of the box, giving Hennessey no time to react as it goes through a defender’s legs.
    The away fans can start planning for a trip to Wembley now.
    We are going to have three additional minutes added.
    Goal – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    88. Erik ten Hag will take this result.
    A comfortable away win in the first leg of the semi-final.
    Pellistri almost makes it three but Hennessey manages to save at the second attempt.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    86. Anthony Elanga comes on for Wout Weghorst.
    The Dutch striker will be pleased with his performance tonight, grabbing his first United goal in the process.
    Lingard plays a long ball towards Dennis but Lindelof deals with the situation well.
    Credit: Getty
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    84. Forest seem to be running out of ideas now.
    Resorting to long balls hoping for something to happen.
    It nearly does as Pellistri passes the ball straight to Dennis but the striker wastes the chance, losing the ball too easily.
    The youngster is shown a yellow card for a foul on the edge of the United box.
    Chance for Forest now.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    82. Forest come forward looking to try and make something happen.
    Credit where it is due, United’s defence is keeping them at bay.
    Johnson is unable to bring the ball under his control and it is cleared.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    80. Direct crossfield ball looking for Pellistri, gives the youngster a yard on his marker.
    He whips in an inviting cross for Weghorst.
    The Dutchman cannot get enough on its as his glancing header goes nearer to the corner flag than the goal.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    78. Other than that Emery might just fancy a night out with the lads.
    The atmosphere is slowly dipping from the home fans.
    However, United’s fans can be heard from the away end.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    76. Unai Emery is spotted in the crowd.
    His Villa side are playing neither of these teams in the near future.
    The Spaniard could potentially be scouting some new signings.
    Credit: AFP
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    74. That could be a big loss for Forest not just in this game but the season in general.
    Gibbs-White was really finding some form of late.
    The hosts need at least a goal to still be in this tie when they travel to Old Trafford for the second leg.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    72. Commentator’s curse there.
    Christian Eriksen is immediately replaced by Fred.
    Antony comes off for Pellistri.
    Gibbs-White is distraught as he is forced off due to injury.
    He is replaced by Lewis O’Brien.
    Lodi comes off for Neco Williams
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    70. Christian Eriksen is causing the Forest midfield all sorts of problems with his movement into pockets of space.
    His delivery is as spot on as ever and he looks the most likely creator of a Man Utd third goal.
    Solid performance by the Dane.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    68. United win another corner which Eriksen comes to take.
    They try a training ground move but Martinez is penalised for a foul.
    Forest are running out of time, they need to throw caution to the wind more now.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    66. Garnacho does well to chase down a lost cause and keep the ball in play.
    He lays it off to Eriksen who clips a ball into the box looking for Weghorst.
    The Dutch striker is inches from a telling touch.
    Credit: Reuters
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    64. Aurier floats a ball towards the back post towards Scarpa.
    Wan-Bissaka manages to get there to block the effort.
    Good defending as that was looking like it was going to trouble David de Gea’s goal.
    Jesse Lingard comes on for Scarpa.
    Surridge is replaced by Emanuel Dennis.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    62. Garnacho makes a break down the left but cannot keep the ball in play.
    He boots the ball away much to the annoyance of the Forest fans.
    There was a time where that was a straight yellow card, who knows now, the rules seem to change every week.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    60. United are passing the ball around, making Forest chase shadows up top.
    The tactic will surely take the fuel out of the tank of hosts’ forward line.
    Gibbs-White shoots from distance again with the ball just going over the crossbar.
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    58. Marcus Rashford comes off for Alejandro Garnacho.
    ten Hag taking no chances with his in-form forward.
    Chance for the youngster to showcase his skills.
    Danilo comes off for Jack Colback for Forest.
    Credit: Getty
    Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man Utd
    56. Rashford has gone to ground and not got back up.
    Worry sight for any Man Utd fan.
    Forest counter and Gibbs-White gets a shot away but again de Gea is equal to it.
    Rashford is back to his feet clutching his ribs.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man Utd ratings: Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford star against Forest in Carabao Cup but night to forget for Malacia

    MANCHESTER UNITED took a huge stride towards the Carabao Cup final with a 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Marcus Rashford wasted no time putting the Red Devils in front, waltzing through the Forest defence and firing in on just seven minutes.
    Manchester United saw off Nottingham Forest with ease in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
    Sam Surridge thought he had levelled – and even copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration – but the goal was chalked off by VAR for offside.
    Wout Weghort grabbed his first United goal just before half-time with a fine finish on the rebound.
    And Bruno Fernandes drilled in a late third to seal the win in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
    The result means United know they are well in control of the tie and, barring a collapse at Old Trafford next week, will book their place in the Wembley showdown.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated Erik ten Hag’s men…
    David de Gea – 7
    Made a decent fist of it, electing to punch whenever danger arose – most notably an instinctive jab to divert Gustavo Scarpa’s well-struck first-half volley. Got down well to smother a Danilo attempt after the break. Neat and tidy.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka –  6
    Rode his luck, leaving Lindelof in the lurch when Sam Surridge netted – only for VAR to spare his blushes by ruling the striker offside. Redeemed himself with a timely block to prevent Scarpa giving Forest a lifeline to cut United’s lead at 2-0 down.
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Victor Lindelof – 7
    Flapped at times when Forest turned the screw after United’s opener. But regained his composure to shine after the break.
    Most read in Football
    Lisandro Martinez – 7 
    Another confident and combative display from the Argentine defender who showed a good turn of pace early on to snuff out one Forest attack and rarely had to break sweat afterwards.
    Tyrell Malacia – 5
    Was given a torrid time early on by Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White. Seldom seen further forward and generally had a quiet night.
    Casemiro – 7
    Looked unusually on edge early on when Gibbs-White’s runs from the point of the midfield diamond appeared to unsettle United’s midfield structure. But got on top of the job and was impressive surging forward.
    Christian Eriksen – 7
    Came close to ending this tie as a contest with a third for United. But his on-target effort from 18 yards took a nick off a Forest body and bounced off the crossbar.
    Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a superb solo effortCredit: Getty
    Antony – 7
    Kept getting into scoring positions but was left frustrated by some sloppy finishing and Wayne Hennessey’s outstretched left leg. Will console himself with the fact it was his shot which led to Weghorst’s goal.
    Bruno Fernandes – 7
    Blew hot and cold at times in front of Portugal’s new head coach Roberto Martinez.But his passing improved as the game progressed and he provided the killer touch to polish off Forest with a brilliant drilled finish late on. 
    Marcus Rashford – 8 
    The hottest hitman in Europe on current form maintained his red hot streak with his 10th goal in 10 post World Cup matches. Burst from his own half and left Worrall and Freuler for dead before beating Hennessey at his near post to give United the lead. 
    Came off with a rib injury after an hour in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate. 
    Wout Weghorst – 8
    His big boys’ battle with Scott McKenna wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Displayed a poacher’s instinct to open his United account, pouncing to tuck home an Antony rebound with the outside of his right boot. Held up play well and gave United a real focal point up front.
    SUBS
    Alejandro Garnacho – 6
    Replaced Rashford just before the hour and stretched Forest with his pace and enthusiasm.
    Fred – 5 
    Came on for Eriksen after 71 minutes to snuff out any late Forest threat.
    Read More on The Sun
    Facundo Pellistri – 5
    Kept United ticking over nicely when he replaced Antony.
    Anthony Elanga – 5 
    Came on with five minutes remaining to allow Weghorst the deserved ovation he had earned.
    Wout Weghorst turned in his first Red Devils goalCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Moment advertising hoarding COLLAPSES during Man Utd fans’ wild celebrations against Nottingham Forest

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans celebrated thumping Nottingham Forest so much that the advertising hoardings COLLAPSED – sending them tumbling to the ground.The travelling Red Devils fans rejoiced as Bruno Fernandes drilled in their third goal to all but seal United’s place in the Carabao Cup final at half-time in the two-legged semi-final tie.
    Supporters tumble over each other as the boards give wayCredit: Reuters
    Manchester United fans were celebrating their third goalCredit: AFP
    Supporters and stewards were stunned when the barrier collapsedCredit: PA
    But as the Portuguese playmaker ran across to take in the adulation, the United supporters pushed forward so much that the barrier gave way.
    And that prompted all the fans on the front row of the away end to stack it – before one steward also went flying over the top.
    The fans still managed to stay off the pitch – despite the sheer excitement – before the Forest stadium staff helped stand the board back up again.
    Gary Neville was on commentary for the clash in the East Midlands and was concerned about the safety of the stadium.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    He said: “It’s not pleasant to watch that for a moment or two, but it looks like everyone is OK.”
    And plenty of viewers on social media shared similar worries.
    One said: “Bloody hell are they taking the p*** with those advertising hoardings? Could have been nasty that.”
    Another wrote: “That advertising board collapsing could’ve gone a lot worse than it did.”
    Most read in Football
    And a third added: “Away end rocking, advertising board gone.”
    Fernandes’ fine low finish capped a perfect night for Erik ten Hag.
    Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst scored either side of Sam Surridge’s disallowed goal to make it 2-0 by the break.
    And any slim hopes Forest had of getting back into the tie in the second leg at Old Trafford were dashed when skipper Fernandes sealed the deal.
    Bruno Fernandes drilled his shot low and hard into the bottom cornerCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese star made it 3-0 to UnitedCredit: PA
    Supporters were understandably delighted as their team scored againCredit: Getty
    Stewards tried their best to prevent the fallCredit: Reuters
    Supporters were left on their hands and knees behind the pitch More

  • in

    ‘He’s not having that’ – Erik ten Hag rages at Bruno Fernandes after Man Utd star’s wayward shot against Forest

    ERIK TEN HAG could not hold back his anger after a wayward shot from Bruno Fernandes against Nottingham Forest.The Manchester United manager saw his side win 3-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, taking an early lead through star man Marcus Rashford.
    Erik ten Hag was left raging with Bruno Fernandes
    The Man Utd midfielder fired a wayward shot wide against Nottingham Forest
    But some sloppy play allowed Sam Surridge to equalise for the hosts before VAR ruled it out for offside.
    And Ten Hag was not in the mood for further mistakes after suffering title heartbreak with defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
    His anger boiled over near the end of the first half when Fernandes found himself with time on the ball outside Forest’s box
    The Portuguese maestro was unable to produce a disciplined effort.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And he instead smashed a wild shot over the bar to a chorus of groans from the travelling fans.
    But Ten Hag reacted in a much more angry manner, appearing to go ballistic at his playmaker from the sideline.
    It prompted pundit and ex-United star Gary Neville to gasp: “He’s fuming. He’s absolutely right, he’s not having that.”
    Fans also reacted to the incident, with many siding with Ten Hag.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Fernandes looked sheepish after his dismal effort
    Ten Hag was not happy despite seeing his side score moments later
    One supporter declared: “Ten Hag not happy with Bruno there! Rightly so!”
    Another said: “Ten Hag needs to be tough on Bruno. His lack of discipline is so frustrating.”
    One noted: “Even Ten Hag’s provoked by that useless Bruno shot.”
    Another added: “I know the first thing Ten Hag is going to talk about in the dressing room is that Bruno shot.”
    Fortunately for United, they did manage to hit the target for a second just moments later through new loan striker Wout Weghorst.
    Fernandes then put his horrendous effort behind him by firing in United’s third goal late on.
    The Red Devils are now in total control of their semi tie.
    And provided there are no mistakes in next week’s return leg at Old Trafford, United are likely to battle either Newcastle or Southampton in Wembley’s final. More

  • in

    ‘Bit awkward’ – Sam Surridge left red-faced as he does Cristiano Ronaldo celebration before goal vs Man Utd is ruled out

    SAM SURRIDGE trolled Manchester United by copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration – then saw his goal ruled out.The Nottingham Forest striker was left red-faced when VAR chalked what would have been his equaliser off.
    Sam Surridge thought he had levelled for Nottingham Forest against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
    He did the ‘meditating pose’ made famous by Cristiano Ronaldo
    NO GOAL! ❌A ruthless counter-attack from Nottingham Forest is brilliantly finished by Sam Surridge but it’s ruled out for offside after a VAR check! 📺 pic.twitter.com/hmxGrND99v— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 25, 2023

    Surridge, 24, thought he had brought his side level in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the City Ground.
    Morgan Gibbs-White led the rapid counter-attack at United’s exposed defence on 22 minutes.
    He slipped in Surridge, who coolly curled the ball into the bottom corner past David De Gea.
    The ex-Bournemouth man – who scored an equaliser at the Vitality on Saturday – raced away to celebrate in front of the travelling Red Devils supporters as the home end of the stadium erupted.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    And he chose to recreate the ‘meditating pose’ made famous by ex-United star Ronaldo and also performed by United star Alejandro Garnacho before his Forest team-mates mobbed him.
    However, Forest’s joy was cut short when the VAR looked at the replays and proved Surridge was just offside when the pass was played.
    And plenty of fans took to social media to mock the unfortunate forward – describing the incident as a “bit awkward”.
    One said: “Surridge with the Ronaldo celebration. Only to be called for offside. In your face.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Another wrote: “Man United have to bury Forest now lol. Sam Surridge really disrespected them like this with that Ronaldo celebration.”
    A third added: “That disappointing ending to the Surridge goal is really a homage to Ronaldo’s ending at United.”
    And a final user commented: “And he hit with a Ronaldo celebration against Man Utd this Surridge guy 😭😭😭. Nice try tho.”
    United led 1-0 at the time of Surridge’s blooper moment thanks to Marcus Rashford’s early opener to continue his red-hot form.
    On-loan striker Wout Weghort made it 2-0 to Erik ten Hag’s side just before half-time before Bruno Fernandes completed a dominant 3-0 win.
    Forest supporters were gutted to see the goal ruled outCredit: PA More

  • in

    Watch Marcus Rashford score wondergoal for Man Utd against Nottingham Forest after bamboozling defence with amazing run

    MARCUS RASHFORD continued his red-hot form with another stunning strike for Manchester United.The 25-year-old needed just six minutes to break the deadlock against Nottingham Forest in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
    Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (R) celebrates after his strike at ForestCredit: AFP
    The star produced a brilliant solo strike to break the deadlockCredit: Getty

    Rashford received the ball 10 yards inside his own half close to the left touchline.
    He then accelerated forward at the Forest defence, squeezing his way past several opponents into the box, before smashing the ball past Wayne Hennessey.
    That was his 10th goal in 10 matches since he returned to United from England duty at the World Cup.
    And it led on from his impressive displays for the Three Lions in Qatar, where he scored three times in five outings.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    His latest strike took his tally at club level to 18 for the campaign so far, and fans quickly took to Twitter afterwards to hail the in-form hitman.
    One fan asked: “Rashford is the first player from a top-five European league to reach 10 goals across all competitions since the end of the World Cup.
    “The best player in the world right now?”
    Another said: “Good Lord. I actually can’t recall the last time a United player was in the form that Rashford is in. Lethal.”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    A fellow fan wrote: “Marcus Rashford is an incredible run of form. Respect.”
    Another labelled him “Mr Incredible” while a fellow tweet said: “Rashford is a cheat code atm!”
    And another declared: “Rashford’s the best player in the world rn…you can’t chat to me.” More

  • in

    Fans LOVE Jacob Murphy’s ‘top class ‘s***housery’ as Newcastle star hilariously taunts Saints’ Caleta-Car after red card

    FOOTBALL fans were left in hysterics after Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy cheekily waved goodbye to Southampton defender Duje Caleta-Car following his red card.The Croatian defender, 26, was dismissed in the 86th minute of his side’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.
    Jacob Murphy waved Duje Caleta-Car off the pitch following his red cardCredit: Reuters

    Caleta-Car did not look impressed as Murphy waved him off the pitchCredit: Rex
    As he trudged off the pitch, the cameras caught Murphy sarcastically waving at him.
    And plenty of viewers quickly flocked to social media to react to the moment.
    One person said: “Like every other fan I’ve given Murphy the worst stick imaginable but give the man a contract for life after that! The finest s***housery I have ever seen! 🤣”.
    Another added: “Absolute top class s***housery that lol 😂”.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And a third said: “Jacob Murphy, get in lad! Top class s***housery!! 👋🏻”.
    A Saints fan then replied: “It’s only one goal, and if (very big IF with us 🤣) we turn it around, I have a feeling Murphy will have 11 Saints players and a few fans ‘waving’ at him”.
    Joelinton’s 73rd-minute goal has handed Newcastle a slender lead to take back to St James’ Park for the return fixture in seven days’ time.
    The Brazilian forward, 26, spared his own blushes after missing a huge chance earlier in the second half.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Miguel Almiron’s cross found its way through to Joelinton, only for him to blaze over from four yards out.
    But he then made up for his mistake by finishing off substitute Alexander Isak’s fine run to secure the win.
    Newcastle will now be confident of seeing out the tie and progressing through to the final.
    If they do make it to Wembley, Eddie Howe’s side will face either Nottingham Forest or Man Utd. More