Manchester United hosted League One side Charlton Athletic today at Old Trafford in the quarterfinals of the League (Carabao/EFL) Cup. The Red Devils are on a quest to win their first trophy since 2017, while Charlton were looking to shock the world by beating a team two leagues above them. Interestingly, manager Erik Ten Hag heavily rotated his side, likely due to having one eye on the Manchester Derby happening at the weekend. There was a first start and appearance for academy product and attacking midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, while stars such as Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Anthony Martial were all relegated to the bench. Starting some of the fringe and reserve players is risky in a single-elimination tournament, but many felt that there was still enough quality for United to win comfortably. Charlton manager Dean Holden was hoping his side could at least get the match to penalties, as the Addicks have won several matches in this tournament on penalties.
The match was a little tentative to start out, although United predictably had the majority of the possession. Winger Alejandro Garnacho was being an absolute terror on the left wing in the opening ten minutes or so, and it seemed he would somehow be involved in United’s first goal. Charlton simply couldn’t cope with his pace and dribbling. They were getting blocks in whenever United shot the ball though. The Red Devils did get their opener on 22 minutes, and it was opposite winger Antony dos Santos getting his name on the score sheet. The ball was brought forward by midfielder Fred, who found his Brazilian compatriot Antony in the right channel. Antony took two touches to control the ball, and the Charlton defense gave him way too much space to shoot in. He curled home a fabulous effort with his preferred left foot from about 20 yards out. The curl and pace on the shot were magnificent, and it gave Charlton keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer no chance to save it. 1-0, and United were good value for their lead.
United were in again with a big chance moments later, but this time a key block came in from Charlton and the opportunity went begging. After that though, the match slowed down considerably. Charlton seemed to find a defensive footing in the game, and were no longer scrambling as much at the back. It must be said that United took their foot off the gas pedal a little bit as well. Some half chances were made, but the opening half finished at 1-0. From a Charlton perspective, that was a positive. They were only down due to a wonder strike, and they were only down by one.
The second half started off like the first one ended, with United dominating the ball but being unable to find the key second goal. Charlton, to their credit, continued to grow into the game and were forging chances through set pieces. They began to play with a little bit of confidence, and United were having trouble holding on to the ball in the middle of the park. United keeper Tom Heaton, deputizing for David De Gea and new loan signing Jack Butland, was forced into some routine saves from long distance. Heaton has not played much in past seasons, but he did everything asked of him today. His best save was from a curling free kick by Charlton midfielder Scott Fraser. There were some growing nerves inside Old Trafford the longer it remained only 1-0 as it felt like Charlton were getting closer.
Sensing a need to solidify the team, ETH brought on the big guns. Midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen came on, along with Rashford and winger Facundo Pellestri, also making his debut. It was unfortunate that the players on the pitch couldn’t find a second goal, but the changes made all the difference. Rashford got United’s second after a long ball was played by Casemiro to Pellestri, and the young Uruguayan found Rashford ahead of him in space about 15 yards from goal. Rashford took a touch and then buried his shot past the onrushing Maynard-Brewer for 2-0 as the clock struck 90 minutes.
The result was in the bag, but Rashford wasn’t done. Just four minutes later at the end of stoppage time, he got his second goal and United’s third. Casemiro received the ball about 40 yards from goal with no pressure on him. Rashford had wandered into a bit of space between the Charlton right back and center back, and then it was a simple ball over the top from Casemiro onto Rashford’s left foot. He took a touch to knock it into space, then finished past Maynard-Brewer again with ease. Rashford is on fire with 15 goals on the season after today, and Casemiro is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. Real quality from the both of them. The whistle blew shortly after that and United won 3-0.
A 3-0 score line is probably harsh on Charlton. They defended well for about 85 minutes or so this game, but United made them pay in the 5-8 minutes that they did not defend well. They fought hard and made United earn it, but that victory is a moral one at best. They really needed to be clinical from set pieces today, and they simply were not. Best of luck to them though going forward in their League One campaign.
Great games from Rashford, Casemiro, Fred, Garnacho, and Pellestri when he came on. Pellestri needs more playing time on the right wing in the coming matches. He is strong on the ball for his size and has exceptionally quick feet. Given that Anthony Elanga failed to impress (again) on the right wing, Pellestri should have more chances to impress. Mainoo had an “okay” debut, but it looks like he needs more playing time as well before he’ll make a big impact. It is slightly worrisome that United couldn’t score more than one without bringing on the superstars, but in the end it’s better than the lottery of penalty kicks. I think the defense could have held out for a 1-0 win had ETH elected to keep the big guns off the battlefield, but of course we’ll never know now. On to the semifinals!
In transfer news, United appear to have signed lanky Dutch striker Wout Weghorst on loan from Turkish club Besiktas. A striker has been needed this season now that defensive midfield is more solid, and I hope he is able to finish off some of the chances this team is so good at creating. If the paperwork gets done in time, he may get his first opportunity at Old Trafford this Saturday in the Manchester Derby!
Glory Glory Man United! Glazers Out!
4-4-2 