BRISTOL CITY 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 1: LAST-GASP SMITH WINNER DUMPS OUT EFL CUP HOLDERS
EFL Cup holders Manchester United have been knocked out of the competition by Championship side Bristol City after a late Korey Smith goal.
Korey Smith's stoppage-time winner stunned EFL Cup holders Manchester United, as Championship side Bristol City beat Jose Mourinho's men 2-1 at Ashton Gate to secure a semi-final berth.
United's team was not lacking in star quality, with Paul Pogba – returning from suspension – starting alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial, but City produced a marvellous performance, Smith's last-gasp winner sparking scenes of jubilation and a pitch invasion at Ashton Gate.
Ibrahimovic and Rashford both hit the woodwork in the first half, but United were by no means in control and City opened the scoring as Joe Bryan netted emphatically just after the break.
Bristol City are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after Korey Smith scored a stunning winner against Manchester United in the third minute of added time. Smith chested down a Matty Taylor pass before turning and volleying left-footed across Sergio Romero, sparking delirious scenes at Ashton Gate. The Championship side had taken the lead in spectacular fashion through Joe Bryan before Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on his return to the starting lineup, appeared to have forced extra time with a vicious free-kick.
This was always going to be a special occasion under the lights inside a sold-out stadium as the Robins duelled with Manchester United for the first time since 1980, when United ran out 4-0 winners. In these parts, the ambition is to make these meetings a more regular event, with the club third in the second tier and vying for promotion to the top flight. They have excelled in this competition, too, humbling three Premier League sides – Crystal Palace, Stoke City and Watford – en route to this match-up. They had also scored 14 goals, more than any other side, to get here.