The Carabao Cup semifinal first leg clash between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest witnessed series of drama that caught the attention of football fans, most notable from Forest’s Sam Surridge.
After Marcus Rashford’s brilliant opener, Nottingham Forest made attempts to bounce back into the game with an equaliser.
The Red Devils left no stone unturned maintaining the attacking pace despite taking the lead against the home side.
However, they were vulnerable at the back and the crack was effectively exploited by Steve Cooper’s men who picked on a quick counter to nick an equaliser.
Morgan Gibbs-White spearheaded a rapid counter-attack at United’s exposed defence in the 22nd minute.
Gibbs-White slipped in Sam Surridge, who coolly curled the ball into the bottom corner past David De Gea.
The ex-Bournemouth man thought he has equalised for the home side and raced away to celebrate in front of the travelling Red Devils supporters as the home end of the stadium erupted.
He chose to recreate the ‘meditating pose’ made famous by ex-United star Ronaldo and also performed by United star Alejandro Garnacho before his Forest team-mates mobbed him, celebrating the goal.
However, Forest’s joy was shortlived after a VAR check confirmed Surridge was just offside when the pass was played.
The 24-year-old thought he had brought his side level against the rampaging visitors, but was left red-faced when VAR chalked off the goal.
It was an incredibly awkward moment for Surridge and his teammates after they nearly altered the course of the game, only to be denied the opportunity thanks to a VAR check.
Sam Surridge attempted to mock Manchester United fans by adopting the Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration in front of the Man United fans in the stadium, only for the goal to be chalked off.
For Manchester United fans, the disallowed goal was a great way to effectively silence Surridge’s disrespectful antics after the goal.
Meanwhile, Manchester United responded well after the disallowed goal, scoring two more goals to muffle Nottingham Forest.
New loan signing from Burnley Wout Weghorst recorded his first goal for Manchester United, volleying home a rebound to double the lead.
After Nottingham Forest goalkeeper slapped off an attempt by the Red Devils, the Burnley and Dutch forward rush in to slide the ball back into the net.
Bruno Fernandes scored again late in the second half to put the game beyond the home side, making it 3-0 for the Red Devils.
Steve Cooper now faces a tough test of overturning the three goals deficit when he travels to Old Trafford for the second leg.
The winner of the tie will play either Southampton or Newcastle United in the final. The Magpies won the first leg away at St Mary’s Stadium by a lone goal, and will be going into the second leg at St James Park with the one goal lead and home advantage.
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