Manchester United won with a last minute goal and now will face Liverpool

Casemiro netted for The Red Devils, who beat Nottingham Forest and advanced in the FA Cup.

28/02/2024, 09:56 PM +00:00

Manchester United were on a mission on Wednesday to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It had been a difficult week for them, as the last minute defeat against Fulham not only left them far from the target of reaching the Champions League qualification zone, but also sparked rumors about the possible departure of Erik Ten Hag.

The coach has been heavily criticized this season for the team's poor performances and the bad results they have obtained. Therefore, his fate depended in part on what happened against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup Round of 16. That is the only tournament The Red Devils can still win this year and an early exit at the City Ground could have caused disaster.

Fortunately for him, Manchester United were able to avoid that disaster, although it was no easy task. During the first half the match was very even, both teams defended well and made it difficult for the opposing forwards to find the space they needed to make a difference inside the box. However, that changed after the break, when fatigue began to complicate the coaches' plans.

Andre Onana was key in helping the Red Devils at the start of the second half, with two saves from shots by Anthony Elanga and Divock Origi. The visitors also had chances, including a Bruno Fernandes shot that went just wide of the post. Just when it looked like the game would go into extra time, the Portuguese midfielder sent in a drilled cross that Casemiro managed to connect with a subtle header, making it impossible for goalkeeper Matt Turner to react and securing Manchester United's qualification to the next round.

What's next for them?

Erik Ten Hag's side are now between the top eight teams of the FA Cup. In the quarter-finals they will have a very difficult challenge, as they will face Liverpool, who beat Southampton at Anfield Road on Wednesday. However, before that, The Red Devils will have several important matches in the Premier League, starting with this Sunday's game against Manchester City.