With this Emirates FA Cup tie coming less than an hour after the quarterfinal draw confirmed that the winner would face either Liverpool or Southampton in the next round, there was plenty at stake for both teams at the City Ground on Wednesday.
NFO: Turner; Toffolo, Murillo, Felipe, Williams; Danilo, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Origi; Awoniyi
MUN: Onana; Amrabat, Varane, Lindelof, Dalot; Casemiro, McTominay; Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony; Rashford
With the Emirates FA Cup serving as Erik ten Hag’s only realistic remaining chance of silverware throughout this testing 2023/24 season, Manchester United squandered a number of chances that could have seen them take the lead in Nottingham.
But the match looked destined for extra-time, after Red Devils’ goalkeeper Andre Onana had done well to deny efforts from the likes of Divock Origi and Taiwo Awoniyi to keep his side level.
Casemiro had different ideas though, arriving to flick home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in the 89th minute – and although a lengthy VAR check ensued, the goal was eventually given and Manchester United confirmed their progression to the quarterfinals of the Emirates FA Cup.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Red Devils now turn their attention to their trip to Manchester City this weekend, before welcoming Liverpool to Old Trafford in the quarterfinals a week later. Nottingham Forest will also meet Liverpool in the Premier League, with their clash occurring on Saturday 2 March.