SMITH’S A STUNNER
Ibrahimovic back on goal trail but United are sunk
KOREY SMITH sent Jose Mourinho’s millionaire Manchester United stars crashing out of the Carabao Cup last night.
The Bristol City midfielder latched on to a clipped ball from Jamie Paterson in the third minute of injury time, chesting the ball down and prodding home through the legs of Sergio Romero.
Smith’s goal, which came after a cracking opener from Joe Bryan in the 51st minute, sent the home fans into raptures and the Robins into the semifinal draw.
Bryan had earlier rocked United when he ran on to an excellent reverse pass from Marlon Pack, outstripped Marcos Rojo and then smashed an angled shot which flashed past Romero and just inside the far post.
But the lead lasted just seven minutes, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic converting a free-kick to claim his first United goal since his return a month ago from a serious knee injury.
City, third in the Championship, were out to stop Mourinho gaining more success in this competition and quickly proved they were not viewing the League Cup as a distraction from the league.
Lee Johnson’s men showed no signs of being fazed as they matched United and produced some fine high-intensity football. They threatened first when Josh Brownhill had a free-kick tipped over by Romero. United skipper Ibrahimovic almost turned in a cross from Anthony Martial, failing to get a firm contact and seeing his effort hit Nathan Baker, then the bar.
Strong
Baker caused some concern for the United boss with a header following a corner with Matteo Darmian having to blast it clear.
Mourinho made 10 changes from the team who won 2-1 at West Brom on Sunday, with only Marcus Rashford staying in his starting XI.
But it was still an extremely strong line-up with midfielder
Scott McTominay, 21, the only player close to being a rookie.
The Robins, in contrast, switched just one from the side who won 2-1 against Nottinhham Forest – a fourth straight league success – bringing in Luke Steele as keeper.
And Steele was beaten in the 21st minute when, after a fine United move, McTominay teed up Rashford just outside the box and the England star’s shot from 20 yards beat the keeper to his left but then thumped against the post.
Marauding left-back Hordur Magnusson picked up a loose ball in the 31st minute and forced Romero into a smart save with a well-struck half-volley.
Ibrahimovic drew jeers when he completely fluffed a volleying opportunity at the far post following a Daley Blind corner.
Blind then showed his defensive prowess with a superbly-timed tackle as Smith looked set to pull the trigger 10 yards.
But then in the 58th minute Ibrahimovic struck the leveller with a low free-kick that went through a poorly-assembled wall from the home defence.
Steele kept City in it with seven minutes left with a superb low save from sub Romelu Lukaku.
And then as the game looked set to head into extra-time, up popped Smith to steer the ball home and send the Robins fans wild.