Manchester United booked their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup this evening with a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
The Reds were dominant from the get-go at Old Trafford and were likely feeling inspired by the weekend’s 1-0 win against Burnley, which ended a three-game winless streak.
Numerous players returned to the fold after recovering from their respective injuries, including Raphael Varane, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire, and there’s no doubt that Erik ten Hag will be feeling more confident as more members of the squad become available in the coming weeks.
Alejandro Garnacho got off the mark for the season when he opened the scoring in the 21st minute. It came after a scintillating run of build-up play from United, so it’s only right that it ended in a goal.
Just six minutes later, Casemiro doubled United’s lead when he headed home from Mason Mount’s corner to make it 2-0. It is the Brazilian’s fourth goal this term, making him the side’s highest ‘scorer thus far.
The goal also marked Mount’s first-ever contribution as a Red in his third appearance.
United see out a convincing victory
After the interval, United were on the front foot instantly again and in the 55th minute, Anthony Martial poked the ball in from an inch-perfect cross delivered by Casemiro.
It was a five-star showing from United throughout the 90 minutes and a performance to build on in the coming weeks. Ten Hag had opted to rotate his starting XI heavily before the match and it definitely paid off, so he has some decisions to make when Saturday comes.
That’s one small step for tonight; one giant leap for the Season.
(I hope.)