Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United (FA Cup Round Five) 28.02.24
After a good performance, Forest fans probably felt that – while inconvenient for their evening schedule – extra time would be the deserved route. However, Casemiro’s late winner forced a United victory, and saw the Red Devils advance to the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup, in a game which – in reality – they did not deserve to win, based on the previous 88 minutes.
Despite United starting strong with an Antony shot ricocheting off of the Crossbar, Forest would go into ‘cruise control’ controlling the first half, while having less of the possession. More chances created, more confident, playing the better football. Both sides would trade shots, but ultimately to no avail – Awoniyi came close on a few occasions, but looked off of his best, and failed to score past Andre Onana. In fairness, the Cameroonian keeper guarded his posts well. Score level at half time.
The second half started in similar fashion, but United would start to grow into the game more; Forest’s men looked to tire, and changes were eventually made. United came close on many occasions, but should’ve done better with the chances presented – £300k+ per week Rashford looked particularly poor. A EURO call-up in the summer should be in serious doubt. Both sides struggled to convert – usually resorting to audacious efforts, but United, eventually, got the upper hand in the most gut-wrenching fashion.
Once again, a set-piece is the Bain of Forest’s night. Fernandes whips a ball into the near post, Danilo misses the header, and Casemiro pops it past Matt Turner. A shame. Forest undid their hard work.
Did VAR wrongfully give the goal? I can’t comment. It looked very similar to Liverpool’s disallowed goal in the Cup final, but with Varane this time being the player to obstruct a defender.
A frustrating end to a – for the most part – top performance from Nottingham Forest. They’ll feel hard done by, but Premier League sides like United will punish for those small mistakes – and Forest didn’t do the latter tonight.
Forest 0, United 1.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC a late Casemiro goal gives Manchester United the win.
