After a bumpy start to the Premier League, Man United continued to build confidence in the League Cup. Garnacho, in particular, was in contention for another starting eleven role in the 7-0 win over Barnsley
Six games in 20 days – Manchester United still have a tough program ahead of them before the international break in October. For this reason, Erik ten Hag rotated his squad in the League Cup against third division side Barnsley. The Dutchman made a whopping eight changes. In addition to the starting eleven debuts of home-grown Toby Collyer and new signing Ugarte, Antony (not included apart from a late substitution at Brighton) and Garnacho (only a substitute in three of four league games) were also given a chance to shine.
The latter in particular put in another impressive performance after his fine display at Southampton (3-0). Together with his congenial partner on the night, Rashford, he made sure the game was decided early on. The duo set up their respective goals in the first half (16th, 45th +2). With Antony also boosting his confidence from the spot (35′), Man United had already made things clear in the first 45 minutes
Red Devils score more than four goals for the first time under ten Hag
But Garnacho and Rashford were not yet ready. Both added a goal in the second half. While Garnacho set up Rashford again (58′), Eriksen set up the Argentine’s second goal (49′). However, like his three colleagues in the attacking quartet, Eriksen, who was deployed as a ten-man, also wanted to get on the scoreboard himself. After assists from Bruno Fernandes, the Dane then went on to record the biggest win of ten Hag’s tenure (previously 4-1 against Real Betis and Chelsea in the 2022/23 season) in the closing stages (81st, 85th)
On Saturday evening against Crystal Palace (6.30pm), the Red Devils now have the chance to round off the first English week of the season in perfect fashion.