The 2021/22 season really was one to forget for Manchester United.As well as missing out on Champions League football for next season after finishing sixth in the Premier League, the club went trophyless once again.The last time the club held silverware aloft was at the end of the 2016/17 season, when Jose Mourinho's United side beat Ajax to win the UEFA Europa League.For a club of the Red Devils' stature, their trophy drought has gone on way too long and the onus will be on new manager Erik ten Hag to bring it to an end as swiftly as possible.One competition Ten Hag will surely be eyeing up is the Carabao Cup, which Mourinho's United also won in 2016/17.The Dutchman certainly can't do much worse than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did in the competition last season.United were eliminated in the third round by West Ham, David Moyes' side achieving a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford back in September.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Manuel Lanzini celebrates with teammates Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks of West Ham United after scoring their team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on September 22, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Manuel Lanzini scored the only goal of the game in the 10th minute of proceedings, with the hosts unable to find a way past Alphonse Areola.Well, they did technically manage to put the ball in the back of his net, but the 94th minute effort from Bruno Fernandes was quickly - and correctly - ruled out by the officials.And that's because it was the most shameless of attempts at scoring a late equaliser.West Ham were given an uncontested drop ball in their own half, but when the referee let go of the ball, Fernandes illegally nipped in and charged towards goal.
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The United midfielder then caressed the ball past an unmoved Areola into the back of the net, before turning around and looking aggrieved at the fact his effort would not count.
Video: Fernandes' shameless attempt at scoring equaliser vs West Ham
Fan reaction
Nice try, Bruno.
Imagine the absolute chaos if the officials had allowed that goal to stand?! Social media would have gone into a state of meltdown.
Thankfully from a sportsmanship perspective, Fernandes' cheeky attempt was ruled out and seconds later, the final whistle was blown to signal United's elimination from the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils didn't fare much better in the FA Cup last season either. They were knocked out of the historic competition in the fourth round by Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
Boro won on penalties at Old Trafford, Anthony Elanga missing the decisive spot kick.