Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford (second right) celebrates scoring against Barnsley
Manchester United enjoyed the "perfect night" as their biggest victory under Erik ten Hag to cruise into the EFL Cup last-16 at the expense of hapless League One outfit Barnsley.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen all scored twice, while Brazilian winger Antony converted a first-half spot-kick in what turned into a rout by the end.
It was United's biggest win since they hammered Southampton 9-0 in February 2021 when the stands were still empty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was certainly a night to remember as far as Ten Hag’s tenure is concerned. United had not previously scored five under the Dutchman and the goals that got them there before Eriksen’s late brace was even more reason for celebration.
“For the team this is the perfect night,” said Ten Hag. “We did everything we planned, win to reach the next round, scored some great goals, entertained the fans and worked on our game model, so we are happy."
Although the visiting supporters were noisy in their backing of Barnsley, Darrell Clarke’s side were completely outclassed. Their most notable moment came in the first-half when Clarke himself produced a brilliant piece of skill to control a ball that had been fizzed towards the touchline after the whistle had gone. Even the home fans applauded that.
United were able to give a first start to £50.5m midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan largely cruised through proceedings but looked composed when he was extended in a display that will give Ten Hag belief the team he has wanted virtually since his arrival at the club from Ajax in 2022 is close to completion.
Not that the Dutchman, who only two games ago saw his own side humbled at Old Trafford by Liverpool, is getting too carried away.
“I was not devastated after Liverpool and I am not now celebrating now,” added Ten Hag. “We will see where we are in May because then we have to be good.”
Rashford's scoring run continues
After his goal at Southampton on Saturday, Ten Hag said he hoped Rashford would be like a ketchup bottle, meaning once the cap was off, the goals wouldn’t stop.
There was plenty of confidence behind his opening effort as he collected Garnacho’s excellent crossfield pass, bamboozled defender Marc Roberts, then belted his shot past Gabriel Slonina.
Garnacho was also responsible for Rashford’s second, sliding through the pass which invited the first-time finish.
The debate around Rashford over the past year has been extensive. Not all the comment has been positive or even constructive and as far as England is concerned, interim boss Lee Carsley has lots of options for those wide positions.
However, it is also indisputable, when he is on form, Rashford is an asset to any team.
“When you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals it can make the difference,” said Ten Hag, whose side qualified for the Champions League in the season when Rashford scored a career-high 30.
“You can do a lot of very good things between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box.
“Confidence is a big part and Rashford is a big guy. He has scored so many goals. He's in the list of United goalscorers. But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it.”
It was Garnacho who should have been leaving with the match ball. His two goals included a fabulous second, when the Argentina youngster kept his composure and buried his shot after racing half the length of the field onto Eriksen’s magnificent through ball.
But when a far easier chance arrived after Rashford had put the hosts five up, Garnacho spooned it over the bar.
It was also a good night for Antony, who has been told to earn his place by Ten Hag after failing so often following his £82m move from Ajax in 2022.
The 24-year-old had the confidence to take the penalty himself after he had been sent flying by Barnsley goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina and made no mistake.
Much like Casemiro, Christian Eriksen wasn’t really expected still to be at Old Trafford once the transfer window closed. But at Southampton he returned to bring calmness to United’s midfield. He did the same this evening – and got his reward with goals. Amazingly, it was the first time he had scored twice in a game at club level since his Tottenham days in 2018.
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