Manchester United will face Newcastle in the League Cup after Erik ten Hag’s side beat Nottingham Forest well to book their place at Wembley.
Last week’s 3-0 semi-final first-leg win at the City Ground all-but guaranteed the Red Devils a place in the February 26 fixture and the chance to end the club’s worst drought in years 40.
United dominated Wednesday’s second leg and substitute Anthony Martial finally broke the deadlock before Fred completed a 2-0 win, seeing them win 5-0 on aggregate.
The reward was a trip to the capital to take on Newcastle as summer selection Ten Hag looks to steer United to their first silverware since lifting the Europa League in 2017.
“Of course when you win a semi-final it’s good,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “The first half was not good to be honest. I thought it was professional but it was too slow and we didn’t create too many chances. The second half was much better, more tempo and we scored some good goals.
“We want to improve every day. I think we have a good team so we have to look for and manage the high levels. You have to bring that every game. We are Manchester United .”
Progression to the final was never in doubt after the first leg but it wasn’t until the 73rd minute that United made their dominating tally when Martial marked his return to training with a goal.
Fred headed home from close range three minutes later to complete their 12th straight victory in all competitions – marking a day of victory that Marcel Sabitzer watched from the stands.
Another highlight of a good night for United was the return of Jadon Sancho, with the winger receiving a warm welcome in his first appearance since October 22.
United goalkeeper Tom Heaton said afterwards: “We’re moving on to where we want to be. There’s a good atmosphere at the moment and a good pace. We want it to be a fortress here like it’s been a fortress. a touchy-feely but good-natured person.
“[Erik ten Hag] he set the boundaries of what was acceptable and what was not acceptable, and it was very clear. As players you respond to that. The football memories he has are still good till now. It is important that we keep it.
“I am always eager to learn and find opportunities. You try to make the most of it.”
Defender Luke Shaw added: “It’s very special. It shows where we are now. The boys are having a great time and we feel like the crowd is with us.
“It’s the finals we can look forward to but we have a few big games before we go there.
“It’s great but there’s no point going to the final if we don’t win it. That’s where we want to be.
“We want to get this team back to where they should be winning trophies. Newcastle are a very good team but it’s a big moment for us where we want to go.”
Updated: February 02, 2023, 2:51 AM