Improvement but frustration, too, for Nuno
NOTTINGHAM Forest were left to rue missed chances as they were knocked out of the FA Cup at the fifth round stage.
Casemiro struck late on at the City Ground to clinch a 1-0 win for Manchester United but the goal wasn’t without some controversy. Raphael Varane was in an offside position and the Reds argued he was blocking Felipe but a lengthy VAR check deemed him not to be interfering in play.
It was a frustrating end to the game for the hosts, who had created several good opportunities. Below is a look at what Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.
■■On the game...
“It was a good performance. It was much better than the previous game, so it was an improvement.
“We were more compact and solid, and we played good football. We played good offensive football and created chances.
“It is frustrating to lose it in the end. Football is cruel sometimes and today we are on that side.”
■■On whether Casemiro’s goal should not have stood...
“I’m not sure about it. I didn’t clearly see the images.
“Speaking to the players, they said there was a block in a possible offside. They checked it. But we have had so many issues during this period with VAR and referees that let’s try to forget about it and move forward.”
■■On conceding from a set-piece...
“It is a frustration to lose this way, in
the final minute of the game after all the effort we did.
“That is the main frustration and disappointment of not letting our fans enjoy today because they were so supportive and noisy. We have to thank them.
“It is a joy to play here. We are going to play here again in two days’ time, so we have to move forward and go.”
■■On Matt Turner’s performance...
“I think he played good. He was stable and helped us. He made some good saves. He did a good job.”
■■On Erik ten Hag’s claim that Bruno Fernandes was being targeted...
“No, I don’t think so. He is a very good player. He needs to be controlled and I think (Ryan) Yates and Danilo did that, but in a fair way, not ever causing any problems or trying to injure. I didn’t see what Erik saw.”
■■On developing a clear idea of what his squad can do...
“Of course we have a clear idea. We still have to recover some players, but we are playing good.
“We have to improve on details that are still punishing us. You have to work and work, and that is what we are going to do ready to face the next game.
“The improvement is clear and as a team we are playing good. But the results are not coming, so we have to work harder, play better, be more clinical and improve on details, set-pieces, all these things we are aware of. We are clear on what we have to do.”
■■On whether confidence is an issue...
“No, I don’t think so. It’s football, it’s fine margins and details. We could easily be talking about a different result because we made enough to do it.”