Legend has it that Mark Robins was the man to save Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United managerial career with an FA Cup winner against Nottingham Forest in 1990. That year United went on to win the trophy at Wembley and the pressure was lifted from their manager. Erik ten Hag will be hoping Casemiro’s late winner might have the same galvanising effect on his tenure.
The Brazilian’s header was the 36th attempt on goal on a night devoid of quality but the result is all that matters for Ten Hag, who will be holding on to hope United can reach Wembley in this competition as he looks to prove himself to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new minority shareholder – although the small matter of Liverpool awaits in the next round as United look to go one better than being beaten finalists last season.
