Manchester United left it very late to seal progression into the FA Cup quarter-final.
Erik ten Hag’s men were heading towards extra time with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground until Casemiro nodded home Bruno Fernandes’ 89th-minute free-kick.
Both teams lacked cutting-edge despite posting a combined 36 shots on goal in a cagey affair, but the Red Devils posted a much-needed result.
“It is a massive victory, and not the best of games. Both sides missed good chances but that’s a big win for Manchester United,” Wayne Rooney said on BBC One.
“You want big players to have big moments and Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro combined at the end. A lot is made about Erik ten Hag’s position but he has been doing OK. We are starting to see more consistency and I think he will get time.”
Players ✚ Fans ? United ?
The ONLY way to celebrate a late winner ?#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/8mWsvQDJag
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2024
Passage into the following round turned out to be a historic victory. United have now reached the FA Cup quarter-final for a record 48th time. Their reward, though, is a last-eight date with Liverpool, who, despite missing several key players, brushed Southampton aside 3-0 at Anfield.
Louie Koumas put the Reds ahead before half-time only to see fellow 18-year-old teammate Jayden Danns register a late brace.
Ten Hag’s form against Jurgen Klopp isn’t the most impressive. The upcoming showdown on March 16 will be their sixth meeting, with the German tactician boasting a 3-1 head-to-head record. Indeed, a Ten Hag-led side has registered two goals against Klopp, both coming in a 2-1 success in August 2022.