Man Utd’s biggest win under Erik ten Hag was a 7-0 win over a third-tier side in the third round of the League Cup.
United had never scored more than four goals in a game under Ten Hag before, but this time they broke the old record not just once but three times. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen all scored twice, while Antony Santos also scored his first goal in more than five months.
Garnacho (No. 17) scores a close-range goal to increase the score to 3-0 for Man Utd in the victory over Barnsley at Old Trafford, Manchester, third round of the English League Cup on the evening of September 17, 2024. Photo: Reuters
This is the first time Man Utd have won 7-0 since a match against Barnsley in 2007. According to the Opta power index , Barnsley are only ranked 853rd in the world, and are playing in the English Third Division. The difference of more than 800 places between the two teams was shown in the first half, when the home team scored three goals, all thanks to the trio of Rashford, Antony and Garnacho.
In the 16th minute, Garnacho passed the ball to the right wing for Rashford to rush into the penalty area, feint past the defender and shoot into the far corner, opening the score. The English striker then passed the ball to Antony to push the ball past the goalkeeper and then fell in the penalty area, bringing a penalty for the home team. Rashford gave the penalty kick to Antony himself, who shot into the lower right corner, raising the score to 2-0. At the end of the half, Garnacho scored a close-range rebound to secure the victory.
Antony was fouled in Barnsley’s penalty area. Photo: Reuters
Coach Erik ten Hag rotated his squad, keeping only three starters from last weekend’s win over Southampton, namely defender Diogo Dalot, midfielder Eriksen and striker Rashford. Antony started after four months, while new signing Manuel Ugarte also made his first start for the “Red Devils”.
Despite using only the second team, the home team continued to dominate the lower-ranked team. Garnacho completed his double in the 49th minute, starting from a ball stolen by Ugarte in the home field. The ball fell to Eriksen and the Danish midfielder passed it over the line for Garnacho to run down and put the ball into the far corner.
Despite taking a deep lead, Man Utd did not let their opponents off the hook as they brought on key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo. The team scored three more goals, thanks to Rashford and a brace for Eriksen.
Man Utd’s performances have been much better than when they faced lower-league teams last season, such as hard-fought victories over Newport County and Coventry City in the FA Cup. The Dutchman has also kept his key players fit, preparing to play host to Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the Premier League on September 21.
