Man Utd given derby clash with Guardiola’s City in Carabao Cup semis as Tottenham face Brentford
MANCHESTER UNITED will host neighbours City in the Carabao Cup last four as a tough reward for beating Everton – with Tottenham drawn against first-time semi-finalists Brentford in another derby.
Edinson Cavani struck late and majestically to spark United’s 2-0 Goodison triumph, sub Anthony Martial hitting the clincher.
That followed Spurs winning 3-1 at Stoke earlier on Wednesday night, Gareth Bale, Ben Davies and Harry Kane netting to confirm their superiority.
It leaves Jose Mourinho‘s men two wins away from ending their 12-year trophy drought.
And it means another memorable night coming up for Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford, whose 131-year history will finally include the semis of a major tournament.
Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
EFL CUP S/F DRAW
Manchester United v Man City, Tottenham v Brentford
But the spotlit clash is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s United landing a direct opportunity to show they are finally beginning to revolve the power balance in Manchester.
United already sit third in the Premier League, three points above Pep Guardiola’s City.
But after moving possibly 180 minutes from silverware, Solskjaer said: “A semi-final is sometimes worse than the final because it’s the worst possible time to lose a game and go out of the competition.”
The Norwegian was, though, delighted with United’s momentum.
Of overcoming Everton he said: “We know that when we defend well we have players to win us the game.
“Spirit in camp is good, winning gives energy and gives you a boost so we head into Boxing Day positive.”
Most read in Football
The most romantic feature of the semi-finals, however, is surely Brentford’s run.
Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle gave them four Prem scalps in the EFL Cup this term.
And boss Thomas Frank hailed said: “It’s a big step for the club and shows how far we have progressed.. (We’ve) created a new chapter.”