Manchester United steamrolled past Barnsley in the third round of the EFL Cup 2024-25 at Old Trafford Stadium and sent shockwaves across the entire English football community. Erik Ten Hag’s love-affair with Carabao Cup continued as this was a huge confidence-booster for The Red Devils.
There was a significant gulf in the quality between the two sides and Manchester United were in the driver’s seat of the game, right throughout. Manchester United defeated Barnsley 7-0 and it was the biggest win for Ten Hag in terms of goals.
Marcus Rashford found the back of the net for Manchester United in the 16th minute of the game after a beautiful cross-flank diagonal ball from Alejandro Garnacho. The number 10 of United, riding high on confidence after scoring against Southampton in the previous game, pulled the trigger and scored the first goal for Erik Ten Hag and co.
It was followed by goals from Antony and Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United headed into the break with a 3-0 lead over Barnsley, who compete in the third-tier football league in England.
Alejandro Garnacho scored in just the 4th minute after the half-time break after his run into the aggressive third was a treat to the eyes after a couple of one-touch sequences in the defensive third of Manchester United.
The other goals in the second half were scored by Marcus Rashford and a brace from Christian Eriksen, to take United to a menacing total of 7 goals in the game. This match most certainly sent shivers down the spines of the faithful fans of Barnsley as it was nothing short of a nightmare at Old Trafford.
“They are very ambitious, hungry but what you also see is they give each other the ball. They also give assists and each other the opportunity to score a goal – like the penalty, when Antony needs some confidence, Rashy [the normal taker] gives it to him, which is good in a team,” said Erik Ten Hag after the game.
Manchester United had won the EFL Cup 2022-23
Manchester United had ended their six-year trophy drought after they won the Carabao Cup 2022-23, defeating Newcastle United in the high-voltage finals at the Wembley Stadium in London.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford had scored the goals for United as Erik Ten Hag had a glorious time as manager of Manchester United. Since then, he has reiterated the importance of this competition and would have his eyes on the prize.
