5 matches that sum up United's unsatisfactory 2017-18 season

#3 Bristol City 2-1 Manchester United (Carabao Cup, 20 Dec 2017)

United conceded a dramatic late winner to seal their exit from the Carabao Cup

United crashed out of the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) after a late winner by Bristol's Korey Smith.

Form before the match

A Jesse Lingard double in the 24th October fourth round match against Swansea City had propelled United to the quarter-finals of the cup.

Their opponents for the quarter-final tie, Bristol City, had trounced Crystal Palace 4-0 in their corresponding fourth-round match to set up an exciting quarter-final clash for the Championship side.

How did the match progress?

United's tough run of fixtures in December probably took a toll on the Old Trafford side as a stunning Joe Bryan strike drew first blood for the Robins. The Championship side's lead didn't last for long as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored an equalizer via a deflected free-kick in the 58th minute.

The match was destined for a dramatic end as both sides pushed hard for a winner. In the final minute of the match, Korey Smith struck to give the Championship side a well-deserved winner. The surprise victory meant Bristol City knocked out four Premier League sides in their run for the Carabao Cup.

How did it impact United?

Although the Carabao Cup was the last thing on their minds given Manchester City's unrelenting march towards the title, United's defeat to Bristol City meant there was one less cup to challenge for, a fact that didn't go down well with the Old Trafford faithful.