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      Fans baffled as Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘wears new shirt number’ vs Nottingham Forest in Carabao Cup

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left baffled as they spotted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s “new shirt number” against Nottingham Forest.The right-back, 25, played the full game as the Red Devils won 2-0 and 5-0 on aggregate to seal a place in the Carabao Cup Final.
      The star appeared to have the No.2 jersey on instead of his usual No.29Credit: Twitter @PuttickH
      Fans spotted something strange about Aaron Wan-Bissaka tonightCredit: AP
      United went into the clash with a 3-0 advantage, but Erik Ten Hag opted to largely stick with his tried and trusted with just David de Gea and Marcus Rashford rested and named on the bench.
      With many believing that the tie was done and dusted, there was very little to talk about during the opening period.
      However, eagle-eyed viewers soon spotted something very different about Wan-Bissaka.
      The United No.29 appeared to be wearing the No.2 jersey – which is occupied by substitute Victor Lindelof.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      One fan tweeted: “Wan-Bissaka is United’s no. 2 now wow!”
      While another wrote: “Wan-Bissaka… that’s not your number mate.”
      The ace had, in fact, not accidentally picked up the wrong shirt, but instead just had the nine ripped off early on in the opening period. 
      And fortunately for him he was able to get a new jersey at the break to play the match out in his usual double digit shirt.
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      Meanwhile, before the game, Wan-Bissaka outlined his desire to get his hands on the Carabao Cup.
      He told the club’s matchday programme: “I think everyone’s hungry to bring success back to the club and that’s the aim in these cup runs.
      “It would be a great achievement [to reach Wembley]. A step closer to the trophy.
      “That’s what we’re all working towards, and we know it could be an important moment for this team if we do get there.” More

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      Man Utd 2 Forest 0 (agg 5-0): Ten Hag’s troops cruise into Carabao Cup final as Sancho and Martial impress on return

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      MANCHESTER UNITED completed the formalities at Old Trafford – now for an epic clash at Wembley.Goals in the 73rd and 76th minutes from the fit again Anthony Martial and Fred completed a convincing 5-0 aggregate victory over two legs of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
      Anthony Martial made a goalscoring return as Man Utd booked their place at WembleyCredit: AFP
      The Frenchman rifled home to help seal a showdown with NewcastleCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian Fred then finished from close-range to make it 2-0 on the nightCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho impressed on his return off the bench for Erik ten Hag’s sideCredit: AFP
      So on February 26th Erik Ten Hag’s men will face Eddie Howe’s resurgent Newcastle at the home of English football with so much on the line for both clubs.
      Victory in what is traditionally considered the least important of all competitions the big clubs enter is enormous on this occasion.

      For The Magpies the Carabao Cup would represent a first trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup and first domestic honour since the 1955 FA Cup.
      It would be a massive step on the march of a giant that was snoring and is now roaring.
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      For Manchester United the trophy drought has of course been nowhere near as long.
      But for a club so used to wearing out the silver polish each season it seems like an age since Jose Mourinho paraded that Europa League trophy in Stockholm back in 2017.
      That was the same year in which he also claimed this competition in a cup double perhaps still underestimated in the club’s recent history.
      Mourinho never really got the credit he deserved given the unsavoury way his reign ended, as they so often do where the Special One is involved.
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      There is a new special incumbent now in the hot seat and the faith and belief in where Ten Hag is taking this team is stronger than in any of the others who tried to follow Sir Alex Ferguson in the last ten years.
      Still, all the good will in the world is worth nothing if the manager cannot give something tangible back.
      That is why there was no messing as he sought victory in this semi-final tie even with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg at The City Ground last week.
      While there were six changes to the United team from their Cup victory over Reading, including goalkeeper Tom Heaton getting a rare start, it was still a very strong line-up.
      He clearly wanted any doubts about the destiny of this tie gone by the break but it would end level after 45 minutes.
      Forest had given United a better contest than the 3-0 scoreline had suggested in the first leg.
      Indeed but for a matter of inches and the VAR they would have drawn level at 1-1 in the first period of that game.
      The game switched from end to end with first Antony sending a scorching volley just over the bar.
      For Forest Brennan Johnson was looking dangerous and after evading Casemiro and forcing his way between two more United players his final shot was beaten away by Heaton.
      Forest could have taken the lead just before the break had it not been for a block by one of their own players.
      Johnson provided the cross, Emmanuel Dennis had the shot but it hit Sam Surridge in front of goal.
      The Red Devils are searching for a first trophy since 2017Credit: Reuters
      Then right on half-time Wout Weghorst, scorer in the first leg, came close to getting his first goal at Old Trafford with a header that hit the post.
      Tempers became a bit frayed in the second-half when a coming together of Garnacho and Johnson saw a VAR check for a red card for the Forest player which he escaped.
      Garnacho was not rattled and his quick feet beat Willy Boly but his near post shot did not evade Wayne Henessey.
      That was his last action as Ten Hag made a triple substitution which saw this game over the line with Marcus Rashford introduced alongside fit again Anthony Martial, and there was a special reception for Jadon Sancho.
      This was his first action since October 22nd with Ten Hag citing physical and mental issues for his absence.
      Martial looked like he hadn’t been away despite not having played since the derby win over Manchester City on the January 14th, as he broke the deadlock on the night just 11 minutes after making his entrance.
      Casemiro played the Frenchman through, he found Rashford whose shot was deflected and Martial was on hand to put away the loose ball.
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      Three minutes later it was two as Bruno Fernandes’ cross was turned back across goal by Rashford and Fred turned it in for his second in as many games.
      Job well and truly done and so to Wembley, to face The Toon. More

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

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      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

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      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”.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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