Manchester United secured their progress to the fourth of the Carabao Cup with an emphatic win against Barnsley on Tuesday night. It was a strong performance by the Reds to put seven goals past the League One outfit that can only give this team more confidence. We looked in total control to give Erik Ten Hag his biggest win since arriving at the club and continue our route to Wembley.
United dominate the first half
Before the game, Ten Hag had made it known he was taking this game with the utmost importance and that he viewed the Carabao Cup as a competition he wants to win having done so in his first season.
A strong lineup was selected with eight changes from the side that won 3-0 against Southampton at the weekend. Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford kept their places whilst Manuel Ugarte made his full debut. Toby Collyer operated as a left back.
Barnsley showed no fear in their approach but United soon dominated the game. Marcus Rashford looked a threat down the right causing a number of problems for the opposition defence. In the 16th minute, he gave us the lead on his 200th appearance for the club. Garnacho cross-field pass with Rashford picking up the ball moving it past two Barnsley defenders to fire into the top corner of the goal.
United continued to attack and were rewarded with a penalty after Antony was sent to ground inside the box by Tykes keeper Slonina after collecting Rashford’s pass. Our number 21 subsequently converted to double our lead in the 35th minute.
As half time approached, the Reds had their third goal through Alejandro Garnacho. Rashford had made a mazy run into the box causing chaos with the ball making it to the Argentine who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Reds run riot to progress
The second half saw United put their firm grip even more on the game. Christian Eriksen pass released Garnacho who ran all the way into the Barnsley half to slot home United’s fourth in a lovely counter attacking move.
Marcus Rashford then forced a save from Slonina through a powerful free kick 22 yards out. He did not have to wait too long to get his second goal of the match getting onto Garnacho’s pass to make it five for the Reds. Ten Hag decided to make use of his squad available as Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench.
United looked to add more goals with Antony having a curling effort put over the bar by Slonina. Garnacho could have completed his hat-trick but fired over from 10 yards out. Christian Eriksen was soon adding to the Reds tally. He first converted from close range before hitting a beautiful finish into the corner of the net to round off a good night for Ten Hag’s side.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Atlay Bayindir – 6.5. A comfortable night as he did not have much to do.
Diogo Dalot – 7. A constant threat down the right and always looking to be involved in the attack.
Harry Maguire – 6.5. Did everything asked of him
Jonny Evans – 7. Was active in clearing any danger posed by the Barnsley attack.
Toby Collyer – 7. Though played out of the position, he did well.
Casemiro – 8. Allowed more freedom and made an impact in the final third. Had time to pick out his passes.
Manuel Ugarte – 7. Enjoyed a good full debut.
Antony – 8. Looked lively throughout. Won the penalty and subsequently converted.
Christian Eriksen – 8.5. Looked comfortable in the more advanced position. Deserved his two goals.
Marcus Rashford – 9.5 & MOTM. Dominant and easily getting past the Barnsley defence and brilliant to open up the proceedings
Alejandro Garnacho – 9. Made light work of the opponents and deserved his two goals.
Subs:
Bruno Fernandes – 8. Delivered a sublime pass to setup Eriksen’s first goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7. Lively in both defence and attack.
Amad Diallo – 7. Nearly finished a great team move by getting on the scoresheet.
Matthijs De Ligt – n/a.
Looking ahead
Our attention now turns back to the Premier League at the weekend with an away trip to Crystal Palace. It is always a tough place to play at Selhurst Park. United will be wanting to avenge the 4-0 humiliation towards the end of last season by the Eagles.