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Manchester United kept the critics at bay as they cruised into the League Cup fourth round with a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag’s men have been under fire after a disappointing start to the season. But, following Saturday’s narrow Premier League victory at Burnley, they secured a second successive win to ease the pressure at least a little.
Argentine promising talent Alejandro Garnacho put the hosts ahead in the first half before Casemiro doubled the lead at the death of the interval.
The scoreline was sealed with a fine half-volley from Anthony Martial moments after the break to send the Carabao Cup holders into the next round.
Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Third Round – Manchester United v Crystal Palace – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – September 26, 2023 Crystal Palace’s Nathaniel Clyne and David Ozoh look dejected after the match REUTERS/Peter Powell
Glimpse of Hope?
When United lifted the League Cup in February to end a six-year trophy drought, it was seen as the start of a new era of success at Old Trafford. Instead, United have been engulfed by a series of problems on and off the pitch.
Having lost three of their first five league games to severely damage their title hopes, Ten Hag was under mounting scrutiny until the last four days offered a ray of hope.
Match Review
Ten Hag made a point of applauding the crowd and waving to all corners of Old Trafford before kick-off, setting the tone for an uplifting evening as his decision to make seven changes paid off. Dean Henderson was making his Palace debut after leaving United a month ago, but the keeper’s return lasted just 19 minutes before he limped off injured.
Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Third Round – Manchester United v Crystal Palace – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – September 26, 2023 Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Henderson’s replacement Sam Johnstone had to pick the ball out of the net moments after coming on as United took a 21st-minute lead. Diogo Dalot’s cross arrowed towards Garnacho and the Argentine winger swivelled to fire a low strike past Johnstone from 10 yards. Casemiro increased United’s advantage six minutes later, climbing highest to meet Mason Mount’s corner with a glancing header that gave Johnstone no chance.
Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Third Round – Manchester United v Crystal Palace – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – September 26, 2023 Crystal Palace’s Jairo Riedewald in action with Manchester United’s Hannibal Mejbri REUTERS/Peter Powell
United’s third arrived in the 55th minute when Martial rifled home from Casemiro’s cross.
Giving further encouragement to Ten Hag, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat impressed on his first start since his deadline-day loan switch from Fiorentina.
Amrabat lined up a stand-in left-back role before switching to his preferred central midfield position after half-time.
United will look to extend their winning run when Crystal Palace return to Old Trafford in the Premier league fixture this Saturday.