Man Utd 7-0 Barnsley: Five things noticed as Manchester United run riot

Five things noticed as Manchester United progressed to the next round of the Carabao Cup after beating Barnsley at home in dominant fashion.

Erik ten Hag fielded a heavily rotated lineup, as Manchester United welcomed Barnsley to Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

An excellent goal from Marcus Rashford after sixteen minutes would open proceedings of a half in which the Red Devils were rarely threatened by their League One opposition.

With Antony doubling United’s lead from the penalty spot after 35 minutes, Ten Hag’s side never looked like conceding in the first half as they showed complete control over their opponents.

Alejandro Garnacho’s reactionary finish just before the break would ensure that United returned to their changing rooms fully in control of the contest.

In the second half, United’s dominance never let up with Garnacho scoring again shortly after the break. Pouncing on a mistake from the opposition, Rashford would follow suit, slotting home the fifth of the game in front of the Stretford End.

Finally, Eriksen would round-off a near-perfect performance by scoring the Red Devils sixth and seventh.

Here are five things noticed from the EFL Cup victory.

1. Confidence breeds confidence:

Watching Manchester United against Barnsley, in many ways mirrored watching Manchester United against Southampton. Playing against teams who allowed the Red Devils to grow, gave Erik ten Hag’s team the chance to show the confidence that has been missing from their game for the longest time.

The passages of play from the entirety of the team showed the class a top Premier League side should display, with each player demonstrating their use to the club.

This is a team who if the last two games are any indicator will continue to grow.

2. Ugarte’s role is clear:

Playing a midfield three alongside two players who had looked set for the Old Trafford exit door, the arrival of Manuel Ugarte only served to benefit both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen against Barnsley.

Signing Ugarte, a player who knows his role is to defend first and foremost, brought and will bring the best out of the rest of his midfielders.

Eriksen’s passing range has never been in doubt, Casemiro is offered security and Mainoo when he plays alongside Ugarte will be able to continue to expand his skillset.

3. The Rashford resurgence continues:

Deployed as a striker against Barnsley, Rashford took both his goals in excellent fashion. Powerful, paceful and all-around perfect. It was a showing that continued to remind the world just how good Marcus Rashford can be.

With three goals in two games, the English attacker needs just five more goals this season to better his tally in all competitions from last season.

4. Rotation needed to return:

Between injuries, suspensions and perhaps a bit of stubbornness, the lack of rotation from Ten Hag last season continued to cost the Manchester United manager.

Only three of the starters against Southampton last weekend started again against Barnsley, with all three used in different positions to what they were asked to play in the Premier League fixture.

In goal, the days of keeping Andre Onana away from international duty until the very last moment seem to be of the past. Ten Hag signed Altay Bayindir personally, it’s good he seems to have remembered that.

5. Ten Hag’s problem, it’s a good one:

For the first time in some time, Manchester United’s attack is filled from top to bottom with options worth choosing.

All three of the attacking starters against Barnsley found themselves on the scoresheet, Amad Diallo has continued to grow, Joshua Zirkzee brings something no one else in the team does and Rasmus Hojlund is soon to return from injury.

With an away trip to Crystal Palace to come on Saturday, Mr Ten Hag you have several tough decisions to make.

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