Manchester United might have trumped Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup's semifinals on a 5-0 aggregate to secure their spot in the final at Wembley, but that doesn't mean Erik Ten Hag's men didn't work their hearts out as Steve Cooper's side ensured that they earned it.
Already ahead with a three-goal advantage from the first leg tie at City Ground, Erik Ten Hag's side had the simpler task of ensuring they prevented an upset from Nottingham Forest when they visited Old Trafford for the return leg.
Erik Ten Hag had already predicted Nottingham Forest must be handled with caution. The 52-year-old named a strong lineup, much to the surprise of Old Trafford faithful who expected to see fringe players utilized and ensure the scoreline stays safe.
But Erik Ten Hag is not ready to take such risks, as he named a good defensive lineup with Casemiro in the middle partnered by Fred and only replacing Marcus Rashford with Alejandro Gernacho in what would have been an unchanged attacking force. The return of Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho made the Manchester United bench terrifying, igniting any level of excitement amongst the fans.
Nottingham Forest gave a gritty first-half performance against the Red Devils as they strived to start an upset at Old Trafford. Erik Ten Hag's side managed to neutralize their threats but suffered some poor decision-making from the match officials.
The introduction of the attacking trio—Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho—was what finally broke Nottingham Forest's spirits. The trio were involved in both of Manchester United's goals of the night as the Red Devils set up a meeting with Newcastle United.
Casemiro intercepted and laid a pass to Anthony Martial to start off a counter. The number 9 glided towards Nottingham Forest's box, flanked by Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
The 26-year-old attempted a pass to Marcus Rashford, but it was a poor one as Marcus Rashford failed to connect properly with the ball while attempting to finish off the move, also an on-rushing Nottingham Forest's defender intervened to make sure the England international didn't put the ball beyond the keeper. However, his interception guided the ball back into Anthony Martial's path, and the French star fired the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, Bruno Fernandes received a pass from Jadon Sancho, and while at the edge of the opposition's box, he flicked in a cross into the box towards the far end with the outside of his boot. Marcus Rashford was comfortably waiting to send the ball back to the center of the box, where an unmarked Fred guided the ball into the net to seal the victory for Erik Ten Hag's side.
The win means Manchester United are in their first final since 2017 and will be facing Newcastle United at Wembley at the end of February in the Carabao Cup's final showdown.
The victory, however, came with moments and lessons that couldn't go unnoticed.
1- Erik Ten Hag's starting eleven
The Red Devils are faced with a hectic schedule ahead due to the fact that they are still participating in all four competitions they were meant to be in this season. For the month of February alone, they will be playing three games in the space of seven days.
This means Erik Ten Hag would seriously consider rotating his squad to maintain match fitness, especially in a game like tonight's against Nottingham Forest, where his side are already one step away from the final.
Erik Ten Hag stunned everyone by naming an even stronger starting eleven as he recalled defenders Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw back to the starting eleven.
It actually paid off nonetheless because these defenders easily dealt with Nottingham Forest's aggressive approach.
2: Jadon Sancho returns
The attacker's absence was sincerely missed. Erik Ten Hag's side resurgence had been kept out of the team due to injury and the adverse effect of being criticized week in and week out.
The player had to undergo some self-rehabilitation, thanks to Erik Ten Hag's good management and closeness to his players. The player's return was highly anticipated by the fans, and the moment he stepped back onto the pitch, the 22-year-old felt like a new signing.
He also had a good game as he got involved in attack, creating chances for the team. He only lost the ball ones.
Welcome back Jadon Sancho
3 Erik Ten Hag actually performs magic.
The former Ajax boss has steered Manchester United in a direction no one expected. from getting a positive dressing room spirit to getting needed results on the pitch. But it has not been a smooth ride for the Dutch tactician.
Despite the ups and downs, the 52-year-old has laid his mark on the club. The victory on Wednesday night means Manchester United haven't lost or drawn in their last 12 home games, and he is the second Manchester United manager after Jose Mourinho to get to a cup final in his first season.
Manchester United have seen crazy decisions from Erik ten Hag, especially since the World Cup. He has played Luke Shaw at center back; even during the Manchester derby, he has played Harry Maguire as a striker; Victor Lindelof has played in the center of the pack; and Bruno Fernandes has featured as a right winger on several occasions.
4: Old Trafford is a fortress.
Who could think Manchester United would be able to go into games oozing with so much confidence this season after the chaotic 2-1 home loss to Brighton at the start of the season?
However, they haven't just started winning games with a sense of deja vu but have won 12 consecutive home games, kept 8 clean sheets, conceded just five goals, and scored 31 times in front of their fans.
All six of the top teams, with the exception of Newcastle United, that have visited Old Trafford this season have all been put to the sword by Erik ten Hag's side. These include 2-1 and 3-1 wins against Liverpool and Arsenal, respectively, in 2022. They trumped Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 and also won a dramatic 2-1 Manchester derby in January.
5- Martial Arts continues its lethal form in front of goal.
If not for his injury woes this season, Anthony Martial would have been having a good season like his teammate Marcus Rashford in front of goal.
Despite playing with limited time, Anthony Martial has contributed well to the team's progress this season and would continue from where he left off after his display against Nottingham Forest.
Although his first pass of the game went AWOL, that's evidence that he has been out for some time, and he was lucky to score on his return. Exactly what Old Trafford faithfuls love to see The France international also drew level with Manchester United legend David Beckham on the club's all-time list.
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