Manchester United continued their winning momentum in style, progressing to the next round of Carabao Cup after a 7-0 win vs Barnsley at Old Trafford.
United looked like a team that had the wind in their sails here as they stamped their authority on the game after the first few minutes.
Marcus Rashford set things in motion with a well-taken goal to continue his streak, before Antony converted a penalty he won and Garnacho added a third before half-time.
Garnacho wasn’t stopped, as he added a fourth in the second half, his second, before turning provider again to feed Rashford for his second.
Bruno Fernandes wasn’t going to let the game finish without making his mark, setting up Eriksen late for United’s sixth and seventh in a hammering.
Here’s how the players rated:
Altay Bayindir – 7
Couldn’t have asked for a better home debut as United cruised through the game and he was barely troubled. Impressed with his ball-playing ability in spurts.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Enjoyed a great outing as Eriksen drifted to the right to give him more passing options. Soft touches, overlaps, and pinpoint tackling. It was a welcome return to form.
Harry Maguire – 7
Had no danger to repel in a departure from usual for Manchester United centre-backs. Went about his business with confidence.
Jonny Evans – 7
Could have probably sat back and watched his forwards dominate so quiet it was, especially in the first half. Precisely the kind of games he was bought to see through.
Toby Collyer – 5.5
It would be harsh to rate him too low because he was left to play in an unfamiliar left-back position and Barnsley targeted him. Garnacho helped but his first start for United was not made easy due to his position.
Casemiro – 6.5
Had a nervous start and gave the ball away but as United started dominating, so did he, especially further forward. Had a serene outing from then on.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Showed some nice touches in possession and had a great forward run in the first half that proved United haven’t bought a one-trick pony. Fans had hearts in their mouth after a brutal tackle on him but he shook it off.
Christian Eriksen – 8.5
A brilliant pass for Garnacho sent him free to score his second in the second half before he scored his first goal for United in over a year late on. Doubled his tally with a smart finish from the edge of the box.
Antony – 7
Was the least impressive attacker until he won the penalty by reaching the ball before the goalkeeper. Scored it, and worked hard to help the team shape.
Alejandro Garnacho – 9
It’s officially his superstar leap this season. Brilliant pass for Rashford for United’s first, then scored twice showing the killer instinct missing so far. Special.
Marcus Rashford – 8.5
Ten Hag hoped for the ketchup bottle to explode after his goal vs Southampton and the confidence with which he took his two goals showed that might well happen. Full of confidence again.
Substitutes
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Would have been a weird experience for him to first be on the bench then no rescue act to perform after coming on. Still managed two goal involvements when he set up Eriksen.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Probably kicking himself for not scoring on a day when it looked like United would score with every attack. Any minutes with new teammates on the pitch are welcome.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Already a dependable presence with his class and composure and it was more of the same here.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Precious ten minutes in his legs in comfortable circumstances as he came on late when the team was already 5-0 up.
Amad – 6
Came on late for Garnacho and no heroics were needed from him. Confident as usual.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/OR8WNm3