The week that has passed was Manchester United’s biggest test in many years and Erik ten Hag’s men have passed with flying colours after first eliminating Barcelona from the Europa League and then being crowned Carabao Cup champions.
The Carabao Cup is an annual opportunity to inject real belief into the side and although that had already been done by Ten Hag, this is a springboard to further success.
A nervy 10-minute period in the first half aside, United completely controlled the final and are deserved winners, with several players performing at an extremely high level despite the busy fixture schedule.
Ten Hag’s in-game management is also proving to be decisive, with half-time substitute Aaron Wan-Bissaka throwing his name in the hat for the Man of the Match award despite only playing half the game.
Man United Player Ratings
David de Gea – 8
Had less than a handful of saves to make but handled them expertly well and has now surpassed Peter Schmeichel as the player with the most clean sheets in the club’s history. Iconic.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Struggled against Allan Saint-Maximin in the first half but that doesn’t matter – he’s a champion.
Lisandro Martinez – 10
Completely embodies what Ten Hag is about. He has immediately endeared himself to supporters and his ability speaks for itself. One of the two best signings of the season. Spoiler alert: the other terrific signing also plays for United.
Raphael Varane – 10
Alongside Martinez, it is hard to argue against them as the best centre-back partnership in Europe. He has been in stunning form this season.
Luke Shaw – 9
His renaissance continues and what a sight it is to behold.
Casemiro – 10
Scored the first goal and that laid the foundation for a solid and composed performance. We are running out of superlatives to describe him. The signing of the season.
Fred – 8
Taken off towards the end of the game as he was on a booking but it was another good performance in a big game. Turning into a reliable player.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Tireless performance on again from the stand-in skipper. Just like Martinez, he embodies the spirit of the club.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Harshly had the second goal taken away from him but United wouldn’t have been in the final without him.
Antony – 8
So important in specific phases of play and even had his fun with Newcastle United defender Dan Burn on a couple of occasions.
Wout Weghorst – 8
Non-stop pressing and came close to scoring a scorcher in the first half.
