Manchester United made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season with an exceptional 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils came into this one brimming with confidence – following an impressive victory against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday – and oozed quality from minute one.
Barnsley were always going to struggle and failed to handle United’s pace in attack with Marcus Rashford’s clever footwork and finish giving his side the lead after 16 minutes.
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The visitors had the ball in the box on multiple occasions but couldn’t carve out a clear-cut chance. United inevitably doubled their lead from the penalty spot shortly after the half-hour mark through the unlikely figure of Antony. Before a double from Alejandro Garnacho either side of the break took Barnsley completely out of it.
Rashford added his second just before the hour mark before a brace from Christian Eriksen made it a truly embarrassing night for the South Yorkshire outfit. Whilst Ten Hag and his men shouldn’t get ahead of themselves, the win provided a much-needed confidence boost for several fringe players and allowed the Dutchman to experiment with his selection and tactics.
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Rashford is back to his best
(Image: Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)
His performances last season were well below par but Marcus Rashford has looked like a completely different player for United so far this campaign.
Yes, it’s Barnsley, but he was the best player on the pitch tonight and proved exactly why he’s still so important for his boyhood club.
Rashford’s problem has always been consistency. His ability to turn up and produce quality goals and assists has always been there he just needs to continue doing it regularly.
Ugarte can solve midfield problems
(Image: Getty Images)
It was an impressive home debut for new signing Manuel Ugarte who was aggressive from minute one. The Uruguayan has been brought in to solve a long-standing issue in United’s midfield and he showed great potential tonight.
He’s got the energy that Casemiro lacks, and if Ten Hag wants long-term success he has to start Ugarte alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes going forward.
The 23-year-old may not be the greatest midfielder in the world but he’s certainly a big step up from what United have been stuck with in recent years.
United desperately need a left-back
Everything might have gone well for United tonight, but there are still some issues that they need to solve otherwise bigger teams will continue to find them out.
One of those is a permanent left-back. Diogo Dalot has been filling in well, but Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia aren’t reliable so United need to explore other options.
Midfielder Toby Collyer filled in the position against Barnsley but didn’t look comfortable at all. The more experienced head of Jonny Evans would be a better choice, but ultimately it’s a big weakness that needs sorting quickly.
Garnacho can’t be left out
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
After being left out of the starting lineup against Southampton on Saturday, Garnacho has responded in the best way possible.
He’s done his talking on the pitch and scored a brace today to add to his late goal at the weekend. The Argentine has provided Ten Hag with a real selection headache given the great form that both Rashford and Amad Diallo are currently in.
However, he’s consistently delivered for the Red Devils across multiple seasons now, so if anyone should be dropped it isn’t him.
Antony can still play a part
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Antony has received a lot of criticism – which has been justified at times – but his goal provided a much-needed confidence boost for the Brazilian who is determined to fight for his place at Old Trafford.
He’s currently the fourth choice when it comes to United’s wide men with the exceptional rise of Amad displacing him.
But it’s games like this where he can come in and make an impact, proving he still does have a role to play.