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Match preview
Will Manchester United remain on course for their first silverware in six seasons, or can Nottingham Forest reach a first final for 31 years?
Since claiming the League Cup and the Europa League in 2017, Man United have gone trohpyless, their longest barren streak since the early 1970s.
Now though, under Erik ten Hag, the whole club is rejuvenated, and are currently fighting on four fronts.
In this competition, the Red Devils have so far overcome Aston Villa, Burnley and Charlton Athletic, all at home.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Man United are currently fourth, despite suffering a pair of disappointments in the last week.
First, on Wednesday, Michael Olise’s stoppage time free-kick saw Crystal Palace snatch a 1-1 draw at Selhurst.
These two results ended Manchester United’s streak of nine successive victories, so will they get back to winning ways in this first leg?
As for Nottingham Forest, this is their first appearance in the last four of any major competition since being beaten by Man United in the 1992 League Cup Final.
Brian McClair the only scorer that day, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s team prevailed against Brian Clough’s at Wembley.
To get to this semi, the Reds have seen off Grimsby, Tottenham, Blackburn and then Wolves on penalties, with Dean Henderson producing a pair of crucial spot-kick saves.
Meantime, Steve Cooper’s team have been in excellent league form, losing just one of their last seven, although this, admittedly, came at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest have surged up to 13th, four clear of danger, and they’d love to remain in mid-table.
In this tie, with an away leg to come, if the four-times winners are to have any chance of reaching Wembley, one feels this first tie is must win.
Will it be a famous night at the City Ground, or will Manchester United leave Nottingham with the advantage?
Nottingham Forest team news
Given that they’re out of the FA Cup, Steve Cooper’s team cane be solely focussed on this two legged affair.
Dean Henderson, on loan from Man United, is out with a thigh injury, so cant play, even if his parent club had granted permission.
So 36 year old Wayne Hennessey will be donning the gloves; he’s kept a clean sheet in both League Cup ties so far this season.
The rest of the XI will look similar to the one that drew with Bournemouth on Saturday.
Fit again Willy Boly will continue to partner Joe Worrall in defence.
Chris Wood made his debut at Dean Court, just over 24 hours after signing, but didn’t really click with Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
With Taiwo Awoniyi and Jesse Lingard sidelined, Chris Wood may continue to lead the line, or Gustavo Scarpa will return.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Hennessey; Aurier, Boly, Worrall, Lodi; Yates, Mangala, Freuler; Gibbs-White, Johnon, Scarpa.
Manchester United team news
After sitting out Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal suspended, expect Casemiro to make an instant return at the base of midfield.
With Diogo Dalot still sidelined, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will keep his place at right-back.
Elsewhere, it’ll be interesting to see who will start in goal.
David de Gea last featured in the League Cup three years ago, so could Tom Heaton, who started the quarter-final against Charlton, get the nod here?
In attack, Wout Weghorst has started both games since arriving on loan from Burnley, via Beşiktaş, and is likely to do so again, with Anthony Martial injured.
Marcus Rashford has already scored 17 goals this season, including the opener in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest just 29 days ago.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Weghorst.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United: Head to head statistics
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