Manchester United progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup courtesy of an impressive 4-1 win over Burton Albion at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho made 9 changes to the team that beat Everton 4-0 on Sunday. A Marcus Rashford brace, followed by goals from Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial ensured United maintained their 100% record at home this season.
The performance from the team on the night was nearly perfect, apart from the blemish of a goal conceded at the end. The game showcased Manchester United’s amazing strength in depth. In spite of making 9 changes, Jose Mourinho did not field any of the reserve players in his starting XI and it was still pretty strong on paper.
Let’s take at the Man Utd players ratings vs Burton:
Sergio Romero – 7/10
Romero is not a backup keeper by any means, but that’s the least you can expect with David de Gea in the team. The experienced Argentinian is an adept shot-stopper and made a good save from a one on one situation in the first half, apart from which he had nothing else to do on the night.
Matteo Darmian – 7.5/10
The Italian returned to his favoured position and did well for the most part of the game. He was up against the pacy Dyer but did well to match his pace with his defensive intelligence. Calm and composed on the ball.
Victor Lindelof – 6/10
There were signs of shakiness from the new-recruit early on. While Manchester United were blazing up top, Lindelof was not having a comfortable time at the back. He grew into the game after playing a few passes in the second half, and even ventured forward after United switched to 3 at the back.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
A rather comfortable night at the back for the ex-vice-captain. Looked the better of the central defenders on the night.
Daley Blind – 8/10
Blind could have two player ratings on the night. In the first half, he was borderline 7 simply due to his lack of pace which doesn’t really help United much on the attack. Second half saw him put in a much better performance, hence his rating of 8. He seemed comfortable in a back-3 and his passing game improved considerably after the switch.
Ander Herrera – 8/10
It was going to be an easy game in the centre of the park for Ander Herrera, given Burton Albion’s midfield woes. The opposition midfield was stuck in deciding whether to help out the defence in dealing with United’s pacy attack or contribute to the attack. A stroll in the park for the Spaniard who will have laid down a marker for Jose with his performance.
Michael Carrick – 8/10
Calmness, personified. Nothing else can describe the man better. Though it was a quiet evening in central midfield, Carrick brought a certain sense of purpose to United’s passing.
Jesse Lingard – 8/10
A great day out for the wide-man. His touch to set up Rashford for United’s first was pure class, and he kept tormenting the Albion defence throughout the game. Scored a goal too, albeit via a deflection.
Juan Mata – 8/10
Mata ran the show in United’s attacks. Given the more central role on the evening, he looked sharp with his turns and passing. Should have got a goal after a brilliant nutmeg, but it wasn’t to be.
Anthony Martial – 9.5/10
Surely a man of the match contender. An enthralling performance by the Frenchman down United’s left. At times, it almost felt like watching the old Martial, as he was running at defenders with gusto. Should have scored more than the solitary goal.
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
Manchester United’s centre-forward on the night too had an amazing game. Many say he’s still a raw stone and needs to be polished; with chances like those, he will definitely be a gem later on. Would be disappointed for having missed out on scoring his first senior hat-trick.
Substitutes:
Luke Shaw – 7/10
He came on for Mata at the break. With a change in formation, he was given the role of the LWB which he performed well enough. Looked a bit rusty on some occasions, expected given it’s his first appearance in a long time.
Scott McTominay – 6/10
Introduced in the second half for Marcus Rashford as he continues his integration into the first team.
Joel Pereira – 5/10
A disappointing end to the game for Manchester United and the Portuguese keeper as he fumbled the only save he had to make in his cameo appearance.
