Manchester United advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night. The Red Devils beat Burnley 2-0. Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford scored the goals for Erik ten Hag’s team.
Ten Hag will be pleased with his performance after a disappointing spell in Spain. United lost both of their friendlies against LaLiga opponents earlier in the month. However, Wednesday’s match saw much of their World Cup contingent back with the team.
Manchester United uses eight World Cup players in the Carabao Cup
Five players who participated in the World Cup started for ten Hag in the evening. Three more players from the tournament were also listed as substitutes. Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro were fit enough to make the starting XI. Although, the short numbers at center back meant Casemiro had to fill the position.
Burnley came into the game on a high. After all, the Clarets are currently top of the Championship and had only lost two games in total going into Old Trafford. Manager Vincent Kompany returned to Manchester after spending 11 seasons with City before leaving in 2019.
Eriksen and Rashford contribute the goals
Eriksen opened the scoring for United with an easy shot from inside the six-yard box. Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a fantastic play to keep the ball upfield and slotted it into a wide Eriksen. The right-back hasn’t gotten much playing time under Ten Hag, but he was excellent against Burnley.
Rashford doubled United’s lead in the second half thanks to a long run and a flawless finish. The England international dribbled the ball 60 yards through the Burnley defense and scored a shot into the far corner of the net.
However, the visitors had some chances later in the match. Darko Churlinov and Ashley Barnes had great scoring chances, but they didn’t hit the mark. The defeat ends a four-match winning streak for Burnley.
Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion did not have the same luck as United on Wednesday. The Seagulls were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in a penalty shootout with League One side Charlton Athletic.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
