Full Time: Manchester United 4-1 Burton Albion
Manchester United began their defence of the Carabao Cup in style, thrashing EFL Championship side Burton Albion 4-1, at the Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Just four minutes into the game, United were up and running as Marcus Rashford finished with aplomb from close range to open the scoring. Twelve minutes later, the teenager doubled his and his team’s tally with a fantastic strike from outside the box. Ten minutes from half-time, it was 3-0 for the Red Devils, as Jesse Lingard’s strike took a big deflection off Ben Turner and ended up in the back of the net.
Anthony Martial then made it 4-0, rounding off a give and go with Rashford, with a superb finish on the hour-mark. Lloyd Dyer scored a consolation goal in the injury time as the whistle blow for full-time.
Here’s how Jose Mourinho’s stars fared on the night:
Manchester United Player Ratings
Sergio Romero – 7/10
Made a big save at 2-0 to deny Joe Mason. Other than that, he wasn’t called into action.
Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Kept things safe and sound at the back, without really threatening going forward. Looks so much more comfortable at right-back than on the other side.
Victor Lindelof – 6/10
Gave away the ball in the box early on in the game, providing a chance for the opponents. Other than that, it was a competent display at the back from the new signing.
Chris Smalling – 6/10
Didn’t have a whole lot to do, but dealt with whatever came his way, with relative ease.
Daley Blind – 6/10
Got the assist for the second. Had the freedom to move forward and he obliged. Moved into the back-three after the break, continued to get forward and link play up.
Michael Carrick – 7/10
The club captain was in action for the first time this season and controlled the game really well. Mopped up things at the back, launched attacks, played a key role in the opener.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
A hard-working and efficient performance from the Spaniard, who went about winning the ball from the opponents in the middle of the park.
Jesse Lingard – 7.5/10
Lovely layoff for Rashford’s goal, almost scored one himself immediately after. Scored to make it 3-0, albeit via a deflection. Sharp runs at speed, great energy levels.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Buzzed around the box, showing his playmaking abilities, creating chance after chance. Had a couple of efforts saved and saw a shot bounce back off the post. Subbed at half-time.
Anthony Martial – 9/10
Nuisance for the Brewers with his bag of skills, and showed good work-rate as well. Had an acrobatic effort blocked in the first period. Got the assist for Lingard’s strike before scoring the goal he so richly deserved, in the 61st minute. Looks like he has got his confidence back.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
Great finish to make it 1-0. Even better strike for the second goal. A fourth Manchester United brace for Rashford. Assisted Martial’s goal. Five goals for the season already.
Substitutes
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Came on for Mata at half-time. Had a goal ruled out for offside soon after. Looked sharp.
Scott McTominay – 6/10
Replaced Rashford in the 64th minute. Wanted to get on the ball.
Joel Pereira – 5/10
On for Romero for the last twelve minutes or so. Spilled the ball which lead to Burton’s consolation goal.