There were shades of that Southampton display in the way Manchester United dispatched Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
At St Mary’s on Saturday lunchtime, Erik ten Hag’s team started sluggishly. They struggled to wrestle control of proceedings and needed an Andre Onana penalty save to spark them into life late in the first-half.
If Onana provided the turning point on against Southampton, then it was Marcus Rashford who did the honours as Barnsley came to town.
Darrell Clarke’s third-tier visitors settled well, even flashing a few dangerous crosses across Altay Bayindir’s goal. But once Rashford rolled back the years with a fabulous solo strike on the 16th minute, there was only one direction in which the match was heading.
Ten Hag – basking in the biggest win of his Manchester United tenure – was delighted by the way in which Rashford, Antony, Christian Eriksen and a thrilling Alejandro Garnacho ripped into their beleaguered opponents.
But, for the second time in three days, Man United rather stumbled out of the blocks before hitting their stride and streaking into top gear.
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“First of all, a difficult start,” the former Ajax boss tells Sky Sports (17 September, 10pm), his side scoring ten and conceding none since that Liverpool reverse. “(Our slow start) was not so weird, because its first time this team is playing together.
“We found the shape, the patterns, we scored some great goals.”
Rashford’s opener – a trademark combination of quick feet and a thumping finish – was outstanding both in it’s creation and it’s execution.
Buoyed by a growing understanding with Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee and the similarly two-goal Garnacho, Ten Hag is delighted to see his number ten – Man of the Match on the night – rediscover some of the spark he appeared to have left in 2022/23.
“(Rashford’s first of the night was a) brilliant goal. But also some other goals were also very good,” adds Ten Hag, delighted with a performance full of ‘speed and ruthlessness in front of goal’.
“The key was the shape and, of course, the right attitude. They were 100 per cent concentrated, so we played very good and it was enjoyable to watch.
“The fans liked it. They appreciated it. You could feel the good bond between the team and the fans, and we gave the fans some nice goals. In my first season, (Rashford) also had this vibe, this good mood. I am confident that he will score.
“I think last season was difficult for everyone but, in the end, end we went away with a trophy. You can’t forget this. We want to progress, we want to be better, we are very ambitious.
“Marcus Rashford wants to score goals but not only Marcus Rashford. (The whole team was) really hungry and looking for goals.”
Alejandro Garnacho outstanding in Barnsley win
Man United famously hit seven past Barnsley back in 1997 too. When Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, Ryan Giggs was darting down the wing, and Andy Cole was hitting Old Trafford hat-tricks.
There would be no maiden treble for Garnacho, however. After scoring with two typically cool finishes, the Argentine lashed over the bar as he squandered a glorious chance to become the first United player to score a treble since his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
Still, four goals in his first six games of 2024/25 – despite starting most of them on the bench – is further proof of Garnacho’s ever-improving decision-making both for club and also his country.
Ten Hag, as is a manager’s prerogative, was equally delighted with the way his team pressed from the front and hounded Barnsley into mistakes. Garnacho helped out where he could, showcasing a growing work-ethic and tactical awareness.
“First of all, the most important (thing) is that we defend well as a team,” says Ten Hag when asked about Garnacho’s performance. “An aggressive attitude. Then, I know those players will score goals because, when we get them in the right spaces, they are very difficult to defend.
“They are so quick, so energetic, they are electric. They can be direct. So, first of all, when the team cohesion is good, then the team will score goals.”
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