The Reds celebrate Fernandes' goal

Talking points: United 4 Villa 2

Friday 11 November 2022 00:13

Manchester United have progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a 4-2 win over Aston Villa.

Erik ten Hag's side bounced back following a defeat to Unai Emery's men on Sunday afternoon, which ended our nine-game unbeaten run. 

Goals from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay helped the Reds get the better of the visitors this time around in an enthralling second half of the cup tie. 

Following this evening's triumph, here are the talking points from Old Trafford... 

Martin Dubravka made his Reds debut against Aston Villa.

RASHFORD'S ELECTRIC

Hours after being named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming World Cup finals, Rashford reminded everybody exactly why he is there with an electric performance. The first half was a slow starter for both sides, but once the game got going, we saw Rashford at his best. The forward pulled United level after we went 2-1 down, showing great strength and composure, after earlier firing inches wide. 

DUBRAVKA'S DEBUT

Summer singing Martin Dubravka made his first start for the Reds since arriving from Newcastle United. The on-loan goalkeeper appeared in front of the Old Trafford faithful, helping us to a fantastic win to chalk up another nationality for the history books as the first Slovakian to represent our senior side.

YOUNG'S RETURN

There was a familiar face in the Aston Villa starting XI, with former skipper Ashley Young returning to Old Trafford. Young spent nine years with the Reds, and was part of our 2013 title winning side as well as a 2017 Europa League champion. The 37-year-old received a warm welcome from our home supporters, and enjoyed a tremendous standing ovation when he was substituted 15 minutes from the end. 

MARTIAL BACK IN THE XI

The Frenchman made a substitute appearance against the Villans on Sunday when he returned from injury, but he was in from the start on this occasion, for the first time in a competitive Old Trafford encounter since scoring against Everton in October 2021. Despite being substituted, Martial played a key role in pulling United back into the game after he equalised instantly following Ollie Watkins's opener for the visitors. With one last game at the weekend before the league pauses for the World Cup, it's great to see him back out there!

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IMPACT FROM THE BENCH

Ten Hag's triple subsitution proved to be a big difference maker this evening. The trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen, and Anthony Elanga injected a mix of pace and intensity into the side that allowed us to press Villa's backline into mistakes. Our Argentina Under-20 international went on to provide two assists: the first of which saw Fernandes's effort deflected into the goal from Tyrone Mings, before setting up McTominay with an outrageous assist to seal the victory. 

ONE GAME TO GO

It's Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday in a last Premier League outing before the World Cup finals begin. Thankfully, we know now we'll be back in action sooner than the 27 December meeting with Nottingham Forest though, as the Burnley Carabao Cup tie will be scheduled before Christmas.

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