Marcus Rashford scored a brace to help Man Utd produce one of the most comfortable football scores of the weekend in the Carabao Cup. After United’s FA Cup triumph over Everton on Friday, manager Erik ten Hag made eight substitutions and gave 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo his debut. However, this did not derail his team’s momentum as second-half substitute Marcus Rashford continued his stellar play with a late double (90, 94). In his spectacular cameo, the England international, who has now scored 15 goals this season, scored for the sixth straight game and the eighth time in a row at Old Trafford. Earlier, Antony’s superb left-footed long-range strike had given United the lead (21).
Prior to Rashford’s strikes in the second half, League One Charlton, who had previously eliminated Brighton, tried to tie the score, but they lacked quality in the final third as the hosts earned their eighth straight victory at Old Trafford. The Carabao Cup semifinal draw will happen following Southampton’s match against Manchester City at St. Mary’s on Wednesday.
United only successfully sealed their place in the semifinals as the game entered stoppage time, but their victory might have been stronger if they had seized one of the early opportunities that superstar Alejandro Garnacho produced. After cutting inside from the byline, the Argentine created a chance for Diogo Dalot, but the defender, who had to leave the game in the first half due to injury, blasted over from a decent position.
Then, twice, Garnacho attempted to strike out on his own. The first time, after cutting in and firing a shot just wide, he dragged his attempt wide. However, United scored their first goal in the 21st minute from the right. They moved the ball around the field before Fred found Antony, who created space with his left foot of choice before beating Ashley Maynard-Brewer to the top corner. Ten minutes before halftime, the excellent Fred watched his 30-yard free-kick crash into a post while Maynard-Brewer was watching. The hosts were only inches from doubling their advantage.
Albie Morgan whipped a free-kick wide before Tom Heaton had to make a diving save on Sean Clare’s low cross with Corey Blackett-Taylor poised to pounce. Charlton was roared on by 9,000 traveling supporters and manager Dean Holden, a fervent United supporter. Charlton had fought hard and had enjoyed their best period of the game heading into the break. The visitors made a good second-half start as well, and 76 seconds after the break, Scott Fraser had a golden opportunity to score but missed with a left-footed attempt.
Anthony Elanga had a goal disallowed for a clear offside, but Charlton kept up the pressure, and after an hour, Ten Hag brought on Rashford, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen because of their influence. This seasoned three assisted United in taking control of the game and they had opportunities to end it as Garnacho brought out a flying save from Maynard-Brewer, who also dove low to block Eriksen’s attempt. After Rashford had been set up by debutant Facundo Pellistri in the 90th minute, the in-form forward eventually scored the second to seal the victory after Casemiro had put him in scoring position.
“I felt pretty cheerful for the first half an hour. Being less clinical in front of the goal made me less joyful. We need to do better there because we gave ourselves nice opportunities in the opening half hour,” Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said. “In the first half, we should have scored more goals, and in the second half, there was a good save and a few instances where we needed an extra pass but didn’t get one, so we had to battle for it till the very end.”
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