Casemiro’s goal secured Manchester United’s chance to end a disappointing season with a trophy, as Erik ten Hag’s squad narrowly defeated Nottingham Forest to go to the FA Cup quarterfinals against Liverpool.
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup in his first season, but he faced increasing pressure in his second season, particularly if they lost at the City Ground.
Last year’s FA Cup finalists demonstrated incredible tenacity, with Casemiro scoring from Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick in the dying moments to earn a 1-0 victory over Forest and move to a highly anticipated quarter-final meeting at Old Trafford.
The 89th-minute goal, confirmed after a lengthy VAR review, has saved United’s season after they were ousted from Europe in December and dropped out of contention for the Premier League title.
United’s victory is a much-needed lift for the club, which recovered from their defeat to Fulham and avoided extra time ahead of the forthcoming derby with Manchester City.
Ten Hag’s team had the most promising opportunities in the first half, despite Forest having 14 chances after Antony, one of three changes from Saturday’s crushing defeat, hit the crossbar with a first-time shot from Fernandes’ low cross just four minutes in.
Diogo Dalot sent a superb cross, which Scott McTominay headed from close range, but it went straight to Matt Turner.
The visitors hoped to disrupt the out-of-form Forest replacement goalkeeper, whom Marcus Rashford blasted over the net as Ten Hag’s squad looked for an encouraging opening goal.
Forest had recovered from a rough start and were again doing well, with former Liverpool striker Divock Origi and target man Taiwo Awoniyi posing problems for the opposition.
Improvised left-back Sofyan Amrabat struggled, while Manchester United’s midfield left gaps that Nottingham Forest failed to capitalize on, as their opportunities did not result in high-quality scoring chances.
If Turner had not made a superb save at his near post, Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad would have trailed at halftime. This save came after Dalot deftly avoided danger and sent a cross to McTominay.
Following the intermission, both teams remained unchanged, with Forest starting with more enthusiasm.
Elanga, a United Academy alumnus, fought and contested with Awoniyi, forcing Onana to save a hard shot, which was followed by Onana punching away Origi’s strong effort.
Ten Hag’s team recovered control and began expressing itself. Rashford’s penalty request was denied after being sandwiched between two Forest players.
Fernandes attempted a wide shot with the outside of his right foot, but McTominay’s low effort went wide, as Manchester United dominated possession and had more shots in the second half.
Amad Diallo replaced Antony owing to his ineffectiveness and failed to make a clean connection on a blocked Alejandro Garnacho attempt, while Rashford missed the target as they repeatedly attempted to score.
Forest’s reaction was minimal, as Casemiro attempted a shot as time expired, but United kept focused on their goal and scored from a set piece in the 89th minute.
Fernandes fired a free kick from the left side to the near post, where Casemiro’s header diverted it into the goal, eliciting wild celebrations.
Forest just avoided having a player sent off in stoppage time when Felipe grabbed Fernandes’ throat.
