Manchester United secured their biggest victory under Erik ten Hag, cruising into the EFL Cup last-16 at the expense of League One outfit Barnsley. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen all scored twice, while Brazilian winger Antony converted a first-half spotkick in a rout by the end. This was United’s biggest win since they hammered Southampton 9-0 in February 2021, when the stands were still empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
United had not previously scored five goals under the Dutchman, and the goals that got them there before Eriksen’s late brace were even more reason for celebration. Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating that they did everything they planned, scored some great goals, entertained the fans, and worked on their game model.
Barnsley’s side were outclassed, with their most notable moment coming in the first half when Clarke produced a brilliant piece of skill to control a ball that had been fizzed towards the touchline after the whistle had gone. Manuel Ugarte, a £50.5m midfielder, gave a first start to United, looking composed when he was extended. He believes the team is close to completion and will see where they are in May because then they have to be good.
millionRashford’s scoring run continues, with Ten Hag predicting that once the cap was off, the goals wouldn’t stop. Garnacho should have been leaving with the match ball, but he took the penalty himself after being sent flying by Barnsley goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina. Antony also had a good night, having been told to earn his place by Ten Hag after failing so often following his £82m move from Ajax in 2022.
Christian Eriksen, much like Casemiro, wasn’t really expected to be at Old Trafford once the transfer window closed, but at Southampton, he returned to bring calmness to United’s midfield and scored twice in a game at club level.
(BBC)
