Manchester United fans had plenty to cheer about as Erik ten Hag’s side demolished Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup, marking the Red Devils’ biggest win under the Dutch manager. Marcus Rashford played a pivotal role, not only scoring twice but also assisting in the build-up to several other goals. It was a night to remember at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag calling it the “perfect night.”
The victory comes after a tough 3-0 loss to Liverpool in their last home match. But this time, everything clicked for United. Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen also bagged two goals each, while Antony, under pressure after a dip in form, got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, thanks to a generous gesture from Rashford.
In a display of teamwork and unity, Rashford handed over the chance for Antony to take the penalty, boosting the Brazilian winger’s confidence after a tough few weeks. Ten Hag praised Rashford’s unselfish move, saying, "They are very ambitious, but they give each other the ball. Rashy gave the pen to Antony, which is great for the team."
Ten Hag wasn’t celebrating too much, though, keeping things grounded. After the match, he remarked, “I was not devastated after Liverpool, and I’m not celebrating after Barnsley.” His focus remains on consistency, as United now look forward to their next challenge against Crystal Palace.
With this confidence-boosting win, United fans will be hoping their team can carry this form into future matches. Rashford’s generosity, Antony’s much-needed goal, and Ten Hag’s steady hand seem to be setting the stage for better things to come.
Antony's Need for Confidence
Antony has struggled to break into Manchester United's team this season but the Brazilian is now looking to build on his performance against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Antony has insisted he will continue to 'work hard' to keep his place in Manchester United's starting line-up.
The Brazilian has endured a difficult season, with his sole appearance before Tuesday coming in a late cameo in the defeat to Brighton. Other players such as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad have moved ahead of him in the pecking order. But he was finally given a chance to shine on Tuesday night when United hosted Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Antony played all 90 minutes of the third round tie against the League One side.
He duly took his chance to impress, winning a penalty from which he scored in the 7-0 win. Antony was allowed to take the penalty by Marcus Rashford after Casemiro encouraged the Englishman to give away the spot-kick. Rashford would have notched a hat-trick had he taken and converted the penalty, amid his own struggles for form. And Antony is looking to repay his team-mates in full having finally kickstarted his campaign.
“What an amazing day,” he on Instagram. “I thank God for it! I got to play, scored a goal, and we won the game! I’ll keep working hard to win more and more with this jersey!”
Boss Erik ten Hag was pleased to see senior figures Casemiro and Rashford combine to hand Antony a much-needed boost. It is that attitude which the United chief is hoping to see more of following a difficult start to the season.
Rashford's Impact on the Team
Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford will be vital for Manchester United this season after the forward netted two goals in their 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The Red Devils academy graduate has re-found some form at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, bagging his first club goal since March in United's 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, before scoring a brace on Tuesday night.
Rashford opened the scoring in the 16th minute to kick off United's journey to victory before netting another just before the hour mark. United boss Ten Hag, who was full of praise for Rashford after the game, believes the 26-year-old can be a key player for the club once again moving forward.
“The goals not only have to come from Marcus Rashford,” he told reporters. “We need more goalscorers but I know from my first season here when he scores then it’s [easier] for the team when you have a player in your squad who is a guarantee for goals.
“Then it can make the difference. You can do a lot of things very good between the boxes but football matches are decided in the box. I’m not only expecting this from Marcus, I expect it from others who are in the prime of their career but we also have some others who are high potentials, they are very hungry to score goals. But more important they want to win, to win games and win trophies.”
“Confidence is a big part of it, it is not everything, there are also other parts but confidence is a big part and I think Rashford is a big guy. He’s scored so many goals, he’s one in the list of [current] United goalscorers, he is on top of it, so he is a big guy.
“But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it. But I have even seen the biggest guys, the biggest football players, when they are not performing and when strikers are not scoring, they drop in confidence, it doesn't matter who.”
A Team Effort
United will have to wait until next Wednesday before discovering the identity of their fourth round opponents. Antony, meanwhile, will be hoping to keep his place for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
