When Manchester United took on Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, the match felt like a refreshing change from their previous performances.
Under Erik ten Hag, the team played with a level of flair and confidence that had been missing for much of the past season.
Expensive Line-Up and Squad Rotation
Even though Barnsley is a team currently positioned seventh in League One, United’s squad for the match was worth over £300 million.
This was a chance for Ten Hag to rotate his squad, introduce new faces, and see them perform well.
Marcus Rashford, who was playing as a center-forward, seemed rejuvenated after his goal against Southampton.
He scored twice more, alongside Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho, who had a standout performance with a couple of assists.
Antony, eager for his first start of the season, also made a significant impact with his energetic display.
Match Facts and Player Ratings
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
- Bayindir 6.5
- Dalot 6.5 (Mazraoui 63, 6)
- Maguire 7
- Evans 6.5 (De Ligt 78, 6)
- Collyer 6.5
- Casemiro 7
- Ugarte 7 (Fernandes 62, 6)
- Antony 7
- Eriksen 7.5
- Garnacho 8 (Diallo 84)
- Rashford 7.5 (Zirkzee 63, 6)
Subs Not Used:
- Heaton (GK)
- Martinez, Mainoo, Wheatley
Goals:
- Rashford (16, 58)
- Antony (PEN 35)
- Garnacho (45+2, 49)
- Eriksen (81, 85)
Bookings:
- None
Coach:
- Erik ten Hag 7
Barnsley (5-3-2):
- Slonina 5
- Cotter 6.5 (Lofthouse 63, 6)
- De Gevigney 5
- Roberts 4.5 (McCarthy 46, 6)
- Earl 5
- O’Keeffe 5
- Phillips 5
- Connell 6
- Yoganathan 5.5 (Craig 46, 6)
- Jalo 5.5 (Humphrys 46, 6)
- Watters (Cosgrove 56, 6)
Subs Not Used:
- Killip (GK)
- Russell, Benson, Marsh
Goals:
- None
Bookings:
- Slonina (34)
- Humphrys (72)
- O’Keeffe (90+3)
Coach:
- Darren Clarke 5
Referee:
- Gavin Ward (Surrey) 7
Player of the Match:
- Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Venue:
- Old Trafford
Key Moments
Antony’s penalty in the 34th minute, after being fouled by Barnsley’s goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, effectively put the game out of reach.
Despite this impressive display, tougher tests await, such as the upcoming match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, where Ten Hag will need to be at his best following a difficult previous encounter.
Looking Ahead
This match was a significant boost for Ten Hag, especially after a rocky start to the season.
The rotation of the squad allowed new signings like Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer to make their debut, and Antony took full advantage of his chance to start.
While Altay Bayindir had little to do, Casemiro’s return and the overall performance of the team showed that United are beginning to find their rhythm again.
The dominant win over Barnsley, despite their lower league status, gives hope that Manchester United is heading in the right direction, setting a high standard for future matches.