Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United LIVE score: Result from Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes get goals

It wasn’t the most important goal an attacker with the initials MR has scored for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest – not when Mark Robins went down in folklore as the man who saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job – but it was arguably the Best.

Arguably the finest goal of what is shaping up to be the best season of Marcus Rashford’s career could lead to the kind of trophy United have been missing out on in recent seasons. As in 1990 when Robins struck against Brian Clough’s team, United could be on course to end a long wait for silverware with a first honor of a manager’s reign. Erik ten Hag described winning trophies as the best feeling. It’s one United are on course to experience, with a three-goal lead at Old Trafford and a likely Carabao Cup final beyond that.

Their path seems increasingly likely to lead to Wembley. Rashford’s journey took him to the Forest Box in a burst from United’s own half. For the Mancunian, the past year has taken a route from the worst period of his career to the best of form: 12 months ago he had already scored his last goal of the season. Now, with 10 goals in as many games, he is on course for his most productive campaign.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal was his 100th goal for Manchester United in all competitions (56 goals, 44 assists), in his 155th appearance for the club.

This is only the third season of the League Cup in which both semi-finals have been won by the away side, following 1972/73 and 1992/93.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal in the second half gives Manchester United a comfortable lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford. Will Erik ten Hag’s men go to Wembley?

90+3 min: The full-time whistle blows the curtain on a brilliant night for Manchester United. They have now gone eight games unlost at the City Ground and comfortably cruised past Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The greatest damage has now been done and Erik ten Hag will be able to rest some of his key players for the second leg at Old Trafford.

That game will take place around the same time next week.

90 min: three minutes extra playing time.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal will be enough for Manchester United to win this game comfortably, but it should also earn the Red Devils a trip to Wembley.

It will be incredibly difficult for Nottingham Forest to score three goals at Old Trafford without an answer.

89 min: That should be now. Bruno Fernandes slides a nice ball into the feet of Pellistri who carries the ball into the box. He tries to put down a shot, but loses the ball and it bounces over to substitute Anthony Elanga.

Elanga shoots the ball in the path of the oncoming Fernandes who drills a shot past Wayne Hennessey on the half-volley.

84 min: Nottingham Forest just don’t get the ball from Manchester United. First, Aaron Wan-Bissaka holds the ball up and wins a foul before Facundo Pellistri does the same after substitute Jack Colback clears him from behind.

81 min: Another goal for Manchester United would probably kill this tie, but they don’t seem too keen to go for a goal and might let this two-goal cushion slip.

Nottingham Forest must try to get one back before the final whistle.

78 min: Almost! A sweeping diagonal ball to the right wing sees Facundo Pellistri bring the ball under control and spray it to the side of the box.

He swings over a solid cross that Wout Weghorst wins in the air, but nods next to the back post!