After two consecutive runs to the semi-final’s of the tournament, Manchester United have been eliminated at the earliest possible stage of this year’s Carabao Cup.
The defeat came at the hands of West Ham, who avenged their dramatic last-minute loss to Manchester United in the Premier League just four days prior to the Carabao Cup meeting.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named a much-changed starting eleven, with the entire team from the Premier League fixture either rested or benched. Donny van de Beek was given a start at the heart of United’s midfield and impressed on his rare appearance.
Bruno Fernandes, as ever, is Manchester United’s talisman and his absence proved to be costly for the Reds. The 27-year-old was introduced in the second half and United immediately looked more comfortable in the final third.
In a stadium of 72,000 people, only 1 person thought this was legal. Bruno Fernandes, ladies & gentleman. pic.twitter.com/xk2ui1yfJ1
— IG: DebatableFootballOpinions (DFO) (@DebatableFO) September 23, 2021
Footage courtesy of the Carabao Cup
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They failed to find an equaliser, however, and Fernandes instead resorted to dirty, or perhaps clever, tricks in a big to earn United a penalty shootout. A drop-ball was awarded as Jon Moss had been struck by the ball and Fernandes timely decided to steal the ball and hope the refereeing team allowed it.
They didn’t. Instead, it was the last touch of the ball from a Manchester United player that evening and Moss prematurely blew the whistle.
