Manchester United 2 Burnley 0
Manchester United have booked a spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford.
One goal in each half from Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford ensured our progression, with Erik ten Hag's men returning to competitive action in the best possible manner.
The Championship-topping visitors did have their own opportunities to score across the 90 minutes, with Ashley Barnes and Manuel Benson squandering chances.
Casemiro and Victor Lindelof performed valiantly in an unfamiliar centre-back partnership, with fellow defender Aaron-Wan Bissaka also impressing in his first start of the season.
It was the visitors who created the first opening of the game when Johann Gudmundsson's cross was met by Ashley Barnes, who glanced his header wide of Martin Dubravka's goal.
With Burnley proving difficult to break down early on, Alejandro Garnacho's pace in behind the Clarets backline on the left offered the Reds a route to goal as the two sides continued to suss each other out.
But in the 27th minute, Erik ten Hag's side found a way through with some excellent play on the opposite flank. Bruno Fernandes's superb pass over to the right found Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who in turn volleyed the ball across the six-yard area for Christian Eriksen to tap home the game's opening goal.
In response, Manuel Benson burst forward as Vincent Kompany's men looked to spring a counter-attack. The 25-year-old cut inside Victor Lindelof, only to fire his right-footed effort into the side netting.
Benson again found time and space to threaten again moments later, curling an effort that had to be dealt with by our Slovakian shot-stopper.
Anthony Martial created a clever opening as the first half's action drew to a close. He turned and twisted in attempt to find the correct angle, before his effort was well saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
SECOND HALF
As the second half began, Fernandes cleverly picked out Rashford on the edge of the area and our no.10 teed up Scott McTominay to walk onto the ball and shoot, with his effort sailing wide.
But with just 11 minutes played after the interval, United doubled the advantage. Rashford collected the ball inside his own half, before charging towards the Clarets' defence, sliding past Jordan Beyer to allow himself space to smash the ball across Peacock-Farrell and into the net.
Burnley substitute Darko Churlinov received a pass from Johann Gudmundsson with just over twenty minutes remaining but although the North Macedonia international beat Wan-Bissaka to the ball, he could only prod his effort past the post.
United were sent a warning once more when Barnes rushed his effort inside the penalty area, as Ten Hag's side remained two goals to the good.
Fernandes looked to make it 3-0 by lining up a dangerous looking free-kick with 15 minutes remaining. His right-footed strike however sailed a little too high to test Peacock-Farrell, flying into the Stretford End.
Gudmundsson was involved in arguably Burnley's best chance of the game when the Icelandic midfielder squared the ball for Barnes to seemingly sweep home, only for the veteran forward to miss the mark entirely.
Brandon Williams was introduced for his first competitive Reds appearance since May 2021, while Antony, Anthony Elanga, Fred and Luke Shaw were also given minutes from the bench, as Ten Hag's men safely secured progression to the last eight of the competition.
Great to be home
GalleryThe Reds' return under the Old Trafford floodlights was a sight to behold on Wednesday night.
United: Dubravka; Wan-Bissaka (Shaw, 71) Lindelof, McTominay, Malacia (Williams, 83); Eriksen, Casemiro; Garnacho (Antony, 58) Fernandes (c), Rashford (Fred, 84); Martial (Elanga, 71).
Subs not used: De Gea, Bennett, Pellistri, van de Beek.
Goals: Eriksen 27, Rashford 56.
Booked: Antony, Fernandes.
Burnley: Peacock-Farrell, Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen (Taylor, 89), Cullen, Cork (Egan-Riley, 89) Brownhill, (Bastien, 89), Gudmundsson, Benson (Churlinov, 63) Barnes (Twine, 82).
Subs not used: Muric, McNally, Rodriguez, Lewis.
Booked: Cullen.
MUFC lost 2 of first 4 home games this season. Things have settled. The home record now reads W8 D1 L2 in all comps. Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool all defeated at Old Trafford. And Burnley.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) December 21, 2022
Ten Hag seemed to be checking in with Wan-Bissaka when he came off. One of the medical staff now conversing with him. Not a bad first Old Trafford start since February. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 21, 2022
Superb solo goal from Rashford, ran from deep inside his own half before applying a clinical finish, 2-0 #MUFC @MirrorFootball
— David McDonnell (@DiscoMirror) December 21, 2022
I'll never stop appreciating the fact that Casemiro plays football for Manchester United.
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) December 21, 2022
Super player 🇧🇷 👑 pic.twitter.com/EipXMjyJC3