Ten Hag: Sancho and Martial return 'luxury issue' as Man Utd show 'new dynamic' against Forest

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is delighted to have the 'luxury issue' of having extra players available following the return of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial on Wednesday.

The Red Devils progressed to the final of the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest who took a 5-0 aggregate win.

It was a successful night for Ten Hag, who hosted Sancho, who made his first appearance since October 22.

Martial was another welcome returnee after fully recovering from his latest injury.

"It's a luxury issue but that's what we wanted," Ten Hag said of the feedback from his two attacking players.

"It's normal at Manchester United to play every few days. Players prefer to play games rather than training."

The United boss, however, was not very happy with his side's performance against Forest, especially in the first half.

"Of course, when you win a semi-final, it's fine," Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

"The first half wasn't great to be honest. I thought it was professional but too slow and we didn't create too many chances. We allowed them. The second half time was much better, more rhythmic and we scored good goals.

"We were 3-0 up so I didn't want to give them any momentum. They were waiting for a chance to get into the game. We were looking for gaps but I think Forest played well, defended compactly and we did not find the gaps.

"I don't think we were frustrated but we had to be a bit smart. You don't want to give anything away so keep the ball. We should have made more investments like quicker changes and moves behind .

"We just want to improve every day. I think we have a good team, so we have to demand and control the high standards. You have to bring that to every game. We are Manchester United. When you are a United player , you must meet the standards.

"We've had to compromise a lot during the season so far, so hopefully now they [all players returning from injury] are all available. If you want to win trophies, you you need them all available. You saw tonight that you could bring a new dynamic to the bench."

On facing Eddie Howe's Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, Ten Hag added: "Of course we can't wait to get there. We're going to Wembley and it's Newcastle Untied who are a great team but it's far for us."

Forest boss Steve Cooper said it was a 'good cup run' for his side.

"The performances were very different," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I was disappointed last week, there was no doubt. Not only with the score but with the timing of the goals, the lack of management of the game for a semi-final with two legs.

"There were some disappointing moments last week which reflected on the score line and the damage was really done in terms of passing over both sets.

"We couldn't say that before the game and we wouldn't because you have to try to give yourself the best chance to try and achieve something. Tonight was definitely a lot better in terms of performances and we had two great chances in the first half, if you take one and definitely take two, maybe that becomes a different story.

"As always, I'm going to watch the performance and look at what wasn't quite right. Also keep in mind that this is the first time in the semi-finals in over 30 years. lots of clubs would have loved to be in our place in the last two games.

"Although we are disappointed to have lost two games and the score was not good on paper, overall the cup was good, better than we have had in the last two years .

"At Forest we show respect and congratulate United and Newcastle for reaching the final. We know how difficult it has been to get this far, so going one more is a credit to them."

READ MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd among January 2023 Premier League transfer window winners