Man Utd ratings: Casemiro continues irresistible form, Sancho all smiles on return but Weghorst misses sitter
MANCHESTER UNITED booked their place at Wembley with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial came off the bench to net the opener before Fred added a second as the Red Devils progressed to the Carabao Cup final 5-0 on aggregate.
GettyCasemiro was outstanding again for the Red Devils[/caption]
GettyWout Weghorst was guilty of missing a glorious first-half chance[/caption]
PAJadon Sancho returned to action for the Red Devils[/caption]
Marcus Rashford was left on the bench, but apart from that it was near enough a full strength side.
However, it took until Rashford and Martial’s introduction for the Red Devils to really click into gear.
The pair combined for Martial’s opener, before Rashford put it on a plate for Fred to add the second.
Here’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.
Tom Heaton – 7
Just a second United start but seems to be ahead of Jack Butland in the queue.
Stood up well to deny Brennan Johnson what could have been a crucial goal late in the first half and a flying save to keep out Danilo late on.
Aaron Wan Bissaka – 7
Lost the number ‘9’ off his shirt somehow to just leave ‘2’ – but had it sorted at the break.
And more importantly the born-again full-back had the numbers of Forest wide men Emmanuel Dennis and Johnson who were kept quiet.
Raphael Varane – 7
Took a whack from Sam Surridge which earned the Forest man a yellow card.
The French international is a class act and barely put a foot wrong.
Given a breather late on to allow Harry Maguire a run out.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Established now as first choice centre-back alongside Raphael Varane.
Lost Johnson as he got a shot away late in first half but otherwise kept the visitors opportunities to a minimum.
Luke Shaw – 6
Failed to make the most of a clever free-kick from Bruno Fernandes when he blazed his shot wildly off target but linked up nicely with Alejandro Garnacho down his wing and did his bit defensively.
Fred – 6
Stepped in for the injured Christian Eriksen – and is a very different kind of player to the classy Dane.
His performance was patchy but as he has done in the past he popped up late on with a goal.
Casemiro – 8
Header saved by Wayne Hennessey’s feet in the first half and played Martial through with a clever pass for the opening goal.
Once again the Brazilian seemed to be everywhere in another excellent display.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Clever ball with outside of foot almost created an opening for Luke Shaw.
Showed his quality by repeating the trick with a superb curling cross to tee up the second goal late on.
Antony – 6
Cut in and shot at Hennessey early on and whistled a volley over the bar from 25 yards but did not create much.
Reluctance to use his right foot is proving an issue for the Brazilian.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Rare start for the exciting Argentine.
Had a real battle with former Liverpool man Neco Williams all night.
Forced a save out of Hennessey midway through second half just before he was replaced by Rashford.
Wout Weghorst – 5
Still trying to find his feet after surprise move – but spurned a golden chance on half-time when he headed Casemiro’s cross against the post.
Appealed for a pen when he was kicked by Scott McKenna before being subbed.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (on for Garnacho, 62 mins) – 8
Played his part in both goals in his short time on the pitch.
Jadon Sancho (on for Antony, 63 mins) – 6
Warmly welcomed back by the crowd after long layoff.
Anthony Martial (on for Weghorst, 63 mins) – 7
Scored the opening goal to finally put the result beyond any doubt.
Victor Lindelof (on for Casemiro, 80 mins) – 5
Came on with the tie long since won and saw it out.
(Harry Maguire (on for Varane, 80 mins) – 5
Lost Danilo who could have pulled one back – but it wouldn’t have mattered.
GettyErik ten Hag’s side are into the Carabao Cup final[/caption]
