It was not the most important goal a forward with the initials MR has scored for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest – not when Mark Robins went down in folklore as the man who saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job – but it was possibly the best.

Perhaps the finest goal of what is shaping up as the greatest season of Marcus Rashford’s career might lead to the kind of prize United have lacked in recent seasons. As in 1990, when Robins struck against Brian Clough’s team, United could be on course to end a lengthy wait for silverware with a first honour of a manager’s reign. Erik ten Hag had described winning trophies as the best feeling. It is one United are on course to experience, with a three-goal lead to take back to Old Trafford and a probable Carabao Cup final after that.

Their road seems ever likelier to lead to Wembley. Rashford’s journey took him from United’s own half to the Forest box in an eviscerating burst. For the Mancunian, the last year has brought a route from the worst spell of his career to the best form: 12 months ago, he had already scored his last goal of the season. Now, with 10 goals in as many games, he is on course for his most productive campaign.

Bruno Fernandes’ goal was his 100th goal involvement for Manchester United in all competitions (56 goals, 44 assists), in his 155th appearance for the club.

This is the just the third season of the League Cup to see both semi-final first legs won by the away team, after 1972/73 and 1992/93.

Bruno Fernandes’ second half strike gives Manchester United a comfortable lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford. Are Erik ten Hag’s men heading to Wembley?

It looks very likely.

90+3 mins: The full-time whistle brings the curtain down on a brilliant night for Manchester United. They haven’t lost at the City Ground in eight games now and comfortably breezed past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

The main damage is done now and Erik ten Hag will be able to rest some of his key men for the return leg at Old Trafford.

That game takes place at the same time next week.

90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.

The goal from Bruno Fernandes will be enough for Manchester United to comfortably win this game but it should also secure the Red Devils a trip to Wembley.

It’ll be incredibly difficult for Nottingham Forest to score three goals at Old Trafford without reply.

89 mins: That should be that now. Bruno Fernandes threads a lovely ball into the feet of Pellistri who carries the ball into the box. He tries to set up a shot but loses the ball and it bobbles over to substitute Anthony Elanga.

Elanga flicks the ball into the path of the arriving Fernandes who drills a shot past Wayne Hennessey on the half-volley.

84 mins: Nottingham Forest just can’t get the ball of Manchester United. First Aaron Wan-Bissaka holds the ball up and wins a foul before Facundo Pellistri does the same after substitute Jack Colback takes him out from behind.

81 mins: Another goal for Manchester United would probably kill off this tie but they don’t seem overly keen to push for one and potential let this two-goal cushion slip.

Nottingham Forest have to try and get one back before the final whistle.

78 mins: Nearly! A sweeping diagonal ball out to the right wing sees Facundo Pellistri bring the ball under control and squirt up to the side of the box.

He whips over a decent cross that Wout Weghorst wins in the air but nods wide of the back post!