As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes at the City Ground on Wednesday evening, Manchester United's supporters must have been feeling confident about making a trip to Wembley at the end of next month.
Bruno Fernandes' composed 89th-minute strike sealed a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory for Erik ten Hag's side, leaving Nottingham Forest with little chance of turning things around at Old Trafford in the second leg next Wednesday.
Following first-half goals from Marcus Rashford and a first in United colours from Wout Weghorst, United looked as though they would head into the second leg with a firm, but not decisive, 2-0 advantage. But one swing of Fernandes' right boot, connecting with a clever pass from Anthony Elanga, ensured the Reds will head into the second half of the tie with one foot in the final.
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Though nothing can be ruled out in football, particularly in cup competitions, it would take a monumental collapse to stop United's supporters from booking their hotel accommodation and train tickets next Thursday morning. United have only conceded eight goals in domestic competitions at home this season, meaning Forest would need to eat into half of that tally to win the game in normal time. It is unlikely to say the least.
At 2-0, United would have been forgiven for not getting too carried away with themselves. But thanks to Fernandes' third goal in his last four games, the Reds are in a strong position to secure their spot in their first domestic cup final since 2018.
The Portuguese star has rediscovered his mojo in front of goal in recent weeks, taking up more familiar positions in and around the penalty area, giving himself the best possible chance of getting back among the goals. Though his equaliser against Manchester City almost a fortnight ago was dominated by controversy, there were no such issues relating to his strikes against both Crystal Palace and Forest, both of which were excellent.
Though Fernandes, who joined the club from Sporting Lisbon three years ago, has not been as fluent in front of goal this season, he has played an important part in United's resurrection under Ten Hag, even if it has been in a more unassuming role. Supported by summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the midfield, Fernandes has been allowed to concentrate on acting as architect-in-chief, opposed to having to run around at 100mph trying to take care of everything.
The upgrade of United's midfield options has meant that he is not having to track back and take care of defensive duties as much as he has had to in the past. In many ways, it is testament to Ten Hag that Fernandes is now able to go about his work in a much less noticeable manner.
Even though the goals have not been flowing as regularly as they have in recent seasons for the attacking midfielder, he has proven instrumental in the build-up to attacks, often pulling the strings and contributing, even if the final pass or final shot has not come from him. However, his recent form in front of goal offers encouragement that he is now rediscovering his shooting boots. He has scored as many goals in his last four games as he had managed in the 25 prior.
His recent upturn in form will have no doubt delighted Ten Hag, not just because it will ease the burden on Rashford, but because the Dutchman, before the World Cup, called for others to step up and assist with the goalscoring responsibility.
Ten Hag, speaking back in October, said: "In my team, there are players who will score. They come into the [scoring] position and in the last part [of the field].
"It's also about the freedom from the player, the intuition, the space they have to take. When they have that feeling then you will see that with their talent they will score that number.
"You can also divide it, because we have many goalscorers across the offensive department. But we also need something from midfield and the defensive department."
Over the last few seasons, Fernandes has cemented himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, scoring 12, 28 and 10 goals in each of the last three campaigns for the Reds. We have come to expect goals from him and now, arguably, he is playing in the best side since he arrived in M16.
If his recent form is a sign of things to come, Ten Hag will be able to sleep easier, knowing his team is now not solely reliable on Rashford's input.
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