In a spectacular display of football, Manchester United thrashed Barnsley 7-0 in the EFL Cup third round at Old Trafford on September 17, 2024. This emphatic win showcased the attacking prowess of Erik ten Hag’s side, with standout performances from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen, and Antony.
Match Highlights
First Half:
- 16th Minute: Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a powerful finish, breaking his goal drought since March.
- 35th Minute: Antony converted a penalty, doubling United’s lead.
- 45+2 Minute: Alejandro Garnacho added a third just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Barnsley.
Second Half:
- 49th Minute: Garnacho struck again, making it 4-0 with a composed finish.
- 58th Minute: Rashford netted his second of the night, further extending United’s lead.
- 81st Minute: Christian Eriksen joined the scoring spree, turning in a cross from Bruno Fernandes.
- 85th Minute: Eriksen sealed the 7-0 victory with a curling shot into the bottom corner.
Key Performances
- Marcus Rashford: The rejuvenated forward was instrumental, scoring twice and constantly threatening Barnsley’s defense.
- Alejandro Garnacho: The young talent impressed with his pace and finishing, also scoring a brace.
- Christian Eriksen: The Danish midfielder showcased his class with two late goals, adding to United’s dominance.
- Antony: The Brazilian winger’s penalty conversion was a highlight, contributing to the team’s comprehensive win.
Erik ten Hag’s tactical acumen was on full display as Manchester United controlled the game from start to finish. The team’s high pressing and quick transitions overwhelmed Barnsley, who struggled to cope with United’s relentless attack.
With this victory, Manchester United advances to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, where they will look to continue their impressive form. The team returns to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Saturday, aiming to build on this momentum.
This match not only highlighted United’s attacking depth but also served as a confidence booster for key players like Rashford and Eriksen. Fans will be eager to see if this performance can be replicated in upcoming fixtures.
