Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace | Carabao Cup third round
The Reds progress in the League Cup.
Manchester United are into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after beating Crystal Palace 3-0 at Old Trafford.
It was a comfortable win for the Reds and we’ve not had many of those this season. I hope it’s a sign of things to come this weekend when Crystal Palace return to Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring after 21 minutes to reward United for their early dominance. Casemiro scored a header to double the lead before assisting Anthony Martial for his first goal of the season.
On another positive note, Daniel Gore made his senior debut to become the latest academy graduate.
You can already tell that I’m in a good mood, so without further ado here’s our three observations from the 3-0 win over Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Sofyan Amrabat was everywhere
The Moroccan was asked to play out of position (again) but he didn’t put a foot wrong in the first-half. The inverted full-back role allowed him to move into midfield where he made tackles and sprayed the ball from either side of the pitch. Amrabat was busy and looks like a player we’ve been crying out for!
Mason Mount off the mark for assists
The former Chelsea midfielder made his third appearance for the club tonight and registered his first assist. A stunning cross that saw Casemiro’s header hit the back of the net to give United a two-goal advantage. Mount came off after 45 minutes, but it’s a huge bonus for Ten Hag that he’s back and making goal contributions.
Dean Henderson’s curse continues
I don’t wish any bad on Henderson, but he will get no sympathy in these parts after that ill-advised interview he gave to talkSPORT while on loan at Nottingham Forest. A fresh injury makes me think we got an even better deal when Palace splashed £20 million on him during the summer.
Player ratings
By Isabel Crofts
Andre Onana – 7
He faced just two shots on target throughout the tie but the clean sheet will do wonders for his confidence.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Linked up well with the forwards and was looking to create an attack at every opportunity.
Raphael Varane – 8
Mr. Reliable is back in the fold – what a relief. Has been sorely missed in each game that he was absent and he brings an added sense of calmness to the backline.
Harry Maguire – 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong. Similar to Onana, the defenders didn’t have too much to do tonight.
Sofyan Amrabat – 9
The deadline-day signing showed incredibly promising signs of what he’s about to bring to the team. Played out of his usual position on his debut but covered everywhere and demonstrated his scintillating passing ability.
Casemiro – 10
Goal, assist, solid as a rock. Back to his best.
Mason Mount – 8
Registered his first-ever assist as a Red and was faultless in the first half. Hopefully, he was only withdrawn early due to his recent injury.
Facundo Pellistri – 7
Always looks hungry to make an impact and take on his man, which is exactly what you want from your young players.
Hannibal Mejbri – 7
Spectacular yet again. Fans will no doubt be seeing a lot more of him in the coming weeks – but he has to get his fouling nipped in the bud. Can’t be losing him to suspension anytime soon.
Alejandro Garnacho – 9
Back on the scoresheet finally. Was relentless throughout with his flurries of attacks and tracking back.
Anthony Martial – 8
Fit to start the game and scored a goal – can’t ask for much more from the Frenchman.
Highlights
Best performance of the season.