Man Utd ratings: Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford play Forest in Carabao Cup but a night to forget for Malacia

MANCHESTER UNITED took a big step towards the Carabao Cup final with a 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

Marcus Rashford wasted no time putting the Red Devils in front, storming through the Forest defense and scoring in just seven minutes.

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Sam Surridge thought he’d equalized – even copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration – but the goal was ruled offside by VAR.

Wout Weghort scored his first United goal just before half-time with a fine finish on the rebound.

And Bruno Fernandes drilled into the late third to seal victory in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The result means United know they have the tie well in hand and barring a collapse at Old Trafford next week will book their place in the Wembley showdown.

This is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated Erik ten Hag’s men…

David de Gea – 7

Made a decent fist out of it and opted for a punch when danger arose – particularly an instinctive jab to deflect Gustavo Scarpa’s well-placed first-half volley. Received well to smother a Danilo try after the break. Clean and orderly.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6th

Rode his luck and let Lindelof down when Sam Surridge netted – only for VAR to spare his blush by deciding the forward offside. Recovered with a timely block to prevent Scarpa giving Forest a lifeline to reduce United’s lead at 2-0 behind.

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Victor Lindelof – 7

Flapped at times when Forest twisted the screw after United’s opener. But regained his composure to shine after the break.

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Another confident and fighting performance from the Argentine defender, who showed good pace early on to ward off a Forest attack and rarely broke a sweat after that.

Tyrell Malacia – 5

Got a hot time early on from Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White. Rarely seen ahead and generally had a quiet night.

Casemiro – 7

He looked unusually nervous early on as Gibbs-White’s runs from the top of the midfield diamond seemed to unsettle United’s midfield structure. But got the job done and was impressive pushing forward.

Christian Ericsen – 7th

Close to ending this draw as a contest with a third for United. But his shot on target from 18 yards took a pitch from a Forest body and bounced off the crossbar.

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Anthony – 7

He kept getting into scoring positions but was frustrated by a sloppy finishing and Wayne Hennessey’s outstretched left leg. Wants to console himself with the fact that it was his shot that led to Weghorst’s goal.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

In front of Portugal’s new head coach Roberto Martinez, it was blowing hot and cold at times. But his passing improved as the game progressed and he delivered the killer touch to finish off Forest late with a brilliant three-of-a-kind finish.

Marcus Rashford – 8

Europe’s hottest assassin in current form continued his hot streak with his 10th goal in 10 games after the World Cup. He burst from his own half, leaving Worrall and Freuler for dead before smashing Hennessey at his near post to give United the lead.

Walked away with a rib injury after an hour ahead of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Wout Weghorst – 8

His big boys fight with Scott McKenna wasn’t for the faint of heart. Showing a poacher’s instinct to open his United account, he lunged to tuck an Antony rebound with the outside of his right shoe. Held the game well and gave United a real focus up front.

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Alejandro Garnacho – 6

Replaced Rashford just before the hour mark, stretching Forest with his pace and enthusiasm.

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Came on for Eriksen on 71 minutes to wipe out any late Forest threat.

Facundo Pellistri – 5

Kept United going as he replaced Antony.

Anthony Elanga – 5

He came on five minutes from time to give Weghorst the well-deserved ovation.

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