Late Casemiro goal sends Man Utd past Forest in FA Cup

Updated: Feb 28, 2025, 07:03 pm

Brazilian Casemiro scored in the 89th minute to send Manchester United into an FA Cup quarterfinal with Liverpool a 1-0 victory over  Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

United kept alive their last hope of lifting a trophy in a difficult season for the 12-times FA Cup winners when the 32-year-old Casemiro headed in a low bouncing free kick from Bruno Fernandes from close range.

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Manager Erik ten Hag and his team held their breath through a lengthy VAR check for offside before the goal was confirmed to the delight of the United fans at the City Ground.

"We scored in the right moment," Ten Hag told the BBC. "Every win is important. This team, what they showed today, that's great. They have to show it every game."

Casemiro's late goal secured a much-needed win for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Marc Atkins/Getty Images

The goal was reminiscent of Mark Robins' famous stooping header against Forest in 1989 which secured victory for United in a crucial FA Cup tie that helped save manager Alex Ferguson's job.

Ten Hag's side are sixth in the Premier League and last weekend's loss to Fulham left their hopes of a top-four finish and Champions League berth hanging by a thread.

"It was an important game for us to win," keeper André Onana told the BBC. "I'm happy. We worked hard and this was our reward. At Manchester United you must win. It was a difficult game against a good opponent."