Manchester United thrashed Barnsley 7-0 in the League Cup third round, with troubled winger Antony scoring his first goal of the season and Marcus Rashford netting twice, continuing his resurgence. The dominant performance at Old Trafford came as a welcome boost for United, who have had a mixed start in the Premier League, sitting in 10th after two losses in four games.
United took control early, with Rashford, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho all scoring before half-time, effectively sealing the victory. Rashford and Garnacho added more after the break, and Christian Eriksen’s two goals completed United’s biggest win since Erik ten Hag took charge in 2022.
Ten Hag, pleased with the performance, said, “It is the first time this team is playing together. Once we found our patterns we scored some great goals. We played with a lot of speed and were ruthless. The key was the right attitude and to be 100 percent concentrated.”
Despite making eight changes, including giving a first start to Manuel Ugarte, United showed no signs of slowing down, as they began their quest to win the League Cup for the second time in three years.
Rashford, who had struggled last season, has started to regain his form. Ten Hag, drawing an analogy, said, “Last week at Southampton, Rashford was like a bottle of ketchup. Once you score that first goal, more follow.”
Erik ten Hag’s prediction about Marcus Rashford’s resurgence seemed spot on when, in the 16th minute, Alejandro Garnacho’s long pass found Rashford. He skillfully cut inside Barnsley defender Marc Roberts and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Gaga Slonina into the top corner, marking his first back-to-back goals since March.
Brazilian winger Antony, making his first start of the season, won and converted a 35th-minute penalty after being fouled by Slonina. This goal was a welcome relief for Antony, who had been out of favor recently.
United continued their dominance as Garnacho added a third goal in first-half stoppage time and netted again in the 49th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Christian Eriksen. Rashford completed his brace in the 58th minute, receiving Garnacho’s assist and finishing with precision. Eriksen sealed United’s commanding performance with two clinical strikes in the 81st and 85th minutes, making it a humiliating night for Barnsley.
Meanwhile, at Deepdale, Preston made history by beating Fulham 16-15 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in what became the longest-ever League Cup shootout. After 34 penalties, Timothy Castagne missed for Fulham, and Ryan Ledson calmly slotted home the winner for Preston. The previous shootout record was set in 2016 when Derby defeated Carlisle 14-13.
Everton’s struggles continued at Goodison Park, as they were knocked out of the League Cup by Southampton, who won 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Abdoulaye Doucoure gave Everton the lead with a 20th-minute header, but Taylor Harwood-Bellis equalized for Southampton. Alex McCarthy’s save from Ashley Young’s penalty in the shootout sealed the win for Southampton, prolonging Everton’s miserable start to the season.
Crystal Palace’s England winger Eberechi Eze scored in a 2-1 victory at his former club QPR.
Brentford survived an early scare against third-tier Leyton Orient before Fabio Carvalho’s first goal for the club inspired a 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium.
