Rashford on fire, Mainoo debut and more - talking points from United's win
Manchester United progressed to the semifinals of the Carabao Cup by beating Charlton Athletic 3-0.
Erik ten Hag rotated his side heavily which won against Everton in the FA Cup.
The 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo grabbed the pre-game headlines for making his debut.
Lisandro Martinez also returned to the starting lineup and was supported by skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence. Tom Heaton started in goal with David De Gea being rested for the tie.
It was Antony’s marvellous curling strike which handed United the lead in the first half.
As complacency kicked in the Red Devils in the second half, Erik ten Hag unleashed Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen off the bench.
Rashford scored a couple of goals in the last four minutes of the game to make the scoreline much more friendly to the home side than it really was.
Here is what we made of the game.
The urgent need for a striker
Ten Hag decided to deputise Anthony Elanga in the centre-forward role with Antony Martial and Rashford getting some rest. The 20-year-old hardly had any effect on the game.
He failed to make runs behind the centre-backs which could have opened up the defence. He did put the ball in the net but only to be flagged offside by the linesman.
After failing to impress in the central position, the gaffer switched him to the right flank. However, he remained invisible on the wing as well. Wout Weghorst will be a better option than Elanga as a backup striker.
Finally, a debut for Facundo Pellistri
Pellistri signed for Man United in October 2020 and it took more than two years for him to make his senior debut for the Red Devils.
He replaced Elanga with just six minutes remaining but managed to impress in his short cameo. He looked lively in possession and provided an assist within minutes of being on the pitch. The young lad deserves much more opportunities than what he is currently receiving at Old Trafford.
Rashford cannot stop scoring!
The England international is on the fire at the moment. With today’s brace, he has now scored in six games in a row. He has been in rich form this season, already bagging 15 goals across competitions.
His goals were important to put the game to bed as Charlton were playing with attacking intent in the last few minutes.
Ten Hag will be hoping that Rashford continues his scoring patch as United host Manchester City next. His blistering pace might come to United’s aid against City who loves to keep a high defensive line.
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