Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased with his side’s performance in the emphatic 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening.
Goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, and Anthony Martial ensured the Red Devils kicked off their Carabao Cup title defence with a morale-boosting victory.
Heading into the hugely one-sided affair on the back of a slender 1-0 Premier League victory against newly promoted Burnley, Ten Hag’s side took their game to new heights when Palace visited Old Trafford.
Garnacho netted his first goal of the season to give his side the lead in the 21st minute, sending a message to Ten Hag after starting just three games across all competitions this term, including tonight’s fixture.
Casemiro, who has also been singled out for criticism in recent weeks, extended the advantage six minutes later after connecting with a pin-point corner kick from Mason Mount.
Anthony Martial also got on the score sheet after latching on to a dangerous cross from Casemiro to bag his first goal of the season after battling recurring injury problems.
While he failed to register a goal contribution, summer acquisition Sofyan Amrabat stole the spotlight with his dominating performance in the middle of the park.
Man United had been crying out for a player with Amrabat’s distinctive profile, and the Moroccan showed precisely why he could be the man to revolutionalise Ten Hag’s midfield.
Amrabat was handed a 61-minute cameo. In that time, he recorded a 100% success rate in his tackles while winning five out of the six duels he contested.
The on-loan Fiorentina star was heavily involved in proceedings, emphasised by his 91 touches while completing five out of six long passes. He also recorded a 96% pass accuracy.
On his first start for Man United since his arrival in the summer, Amrabat has certainly left the Old Trafford supporters with plenty to be excited about.
After his near-flawless performance, Amrabat could establish a formidable partnership with Casemiro, who silenced his critics with a goal and an assist, in the heart of the midfield.
Mount also caught the eye on his first start following his return from a hamstring problem after creating three chances in the first half – more than any other player on the pitch.
Ten Hag will be delighted with the performance from his side tonight, having come under heavy scrutiny following the recent poor run of results.
As the season unfolds, the combination of new signings and stars returning from injuries could spark a significant turnaround for the Red Devils across all competitions.
Ten Hag will demand more of the same from his players when they lock horns with Palace on Saturday, this time in the Premier League.
