Manchester United put one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest in the first-leg of their semi-final.
United made the perfect start after just six minutes when Marcus Rashford fired a wondergoal after an incredible run from in his own half. Though Forest did create several promising opportunities, United doubled their lead when Wout Weghorst scored his first goal for the club just before half-time.
And Bruno Fernandes sealed the win in the dying embers of the game when he fired in from outside the box. Here, Mirror Football looks at five of the biggest talking points from the clash at the City Ground.
United's impressive run continues
Manchester United's resurgance under Erik ten Hag has been mightly impressive and at the heart of it has been a stunning run of failing to win just two games after going ahead. In fact, they have only lost once after scoring the first goal - against Arsenal on Sunday.
And they got their impressive run back on track on Wednesday night by holding onto their win at the City Ground. Rashford's goal put them in front early on and despite a few scares, David de Gea was able to protect his clean sheet.
It means that the Red Devils have now won 18 of the 20 games in which they have gone in front first. With their eyes on a first trophy since 2017, it is a run that will stand them in good stead.
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Rashford thrills again
Marcus Rashford has been in stunning form since he returned from the World Cup. He has failed to score in just one game during that period, firing United up the Premier League table, into the fourth round of the FA Cup and into Wednesday's semi-final.
He took his goal tally since the tournament in Qatar finished to a remarkable 10 goals with his strike after just six minutes. It was a truly stunning wondergoal, with the attacker picking the ball up in his own half before driving past the Forest defence and firing in.
Rashford has clearly become the star attacker in Ten Hag's United side, with the Englishman looking full of confidence amid his incredible run. His strike on Wednesday means he now sits 13 goals clear at the top of United's scoring charts.
Forest all at sea
While United look full of confidence and a team on the up under Ten Hag, Nottingham Forest were all at sea against the Red Devils. The diamond formation Steve Cooper has delpoyed in recent weeks was exploited to full affect by United.
The visitors were able to break through time and time again, and arguably should have made their win much more comfortable. While Cooper's side did creat several chances, De Gea was barely troubled in the Red Devils' goal.
Cooper sent out his strongest line-up, bare Wayne Hennessey in goal, for this semi-final. And the way his team were exposed by United may leave the Welshman concerned amid their relegation battle.
Weghorst up and running
After a difficult first two games for United, January signing Wout Weghorst finally opened his account for his new club. The Dutchman has joined on loan from Burnley for the rest of the season and has immediately become the Red Devils' starting centre-forward.
But he struggled against Crystal Palace, before suffering defeat against Arsenal on Sunday. Now though, he is up and running for Ten Hag's side, scoring a fine goal to put the Red Devils in full control of this semi-final tie.
After Wayne Hennessey had saved Antony's volley, Weghorst flicked the ball home with the outside of his left boot. Ten Hag will be hoping there are more goals to come from the target man, who was bright throughout the win over Forest.
Ten Hag delivering on trophy promise
Ahead of the trip to Forest, United boss Ten Hag vowed to end the club's six-year trophy drought. The Dutchman insisted their wait for silverware had gone on for "too long" and his side would do everything possible to lift the Carabao Cup.
"It's so great and I think the fans here have some experience, especially the older ones. But now it is a period Manchester United didn't win trophies and it is too long ago. We are aware of that fact and we have to do everything to bring a trophy in," he said.
With a two-goal lead heading into the second leg, Ten Hag is well on his way to delivering on that promise. It is a sizeable advantage to take back to Old Trafford, with United now eyeing getting their hands on the Carabao Cup.
