Manchester United impressed on Tuesday with their biggest victory in the Erik ten Hag era as the club's manager. 'It was only Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, but this was more like it.'
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United team showed glimpses of the kind of football that fans have been yearning for.
After a challenging start to the season, which saw inconsistencies in form and results, their resounding victory in the Carabao Cup was a breath of fresh air. The win, marked by a level of flair and confidence that had been missing for the better part of the last campaign, provided a glimpse of the potential that exists within Ten Hag’s squad.
Reflecting on the victory, The Daily Mail emphasized that it was a rare moment for Ten Hag a night when the Dutch manager had the luxury of rotating his squad without losing control of the game. Manchester United's schedule has been grueling, with expectations high following the appointment of Ten Hag, a manager known for his disciplined, structured, and high-energy style of play. In this match, however, Ten Hag could make key changes, offer opportunities to younger players, and still maintain a commanding presence on the pitch. For United supporters, it was a welcome sight, signaling that the squad's depth and talent may be greater than initially thought.
A standout moment from the game came in the form of a penalty, taken by Antony, the Brazilian winger. What made this moment significant wasn’t just the goal, but the context behind it. Casemiro, the team's captain and a veteran of many high-pressure situations, stepped aside to let Antony take the penalty. It was a symbolic gesture of leadership, showing trust and confidence in a player who has been under scrutiny since joining Manchester United for a substantial fee. Antony has faced a period of adaptation, both to the intensity of the Premier League and the weight of expectations that come with playing for one of the world’s most storied football clubs.
Manchester Evening News captured the significance of the moment, describing how Antony’s celebration resonated with the squad. After converting the penalty, Antony sprinted away in celebration, only to be met first by Alejandro Garnacho. The young Argentine forward, full of energy and passion, embraced Antony with a kiss on the side of his head, a gesture that spoke to the strong bond within the squad. Garnacho, a rising star in his own right, seemed fully aware of the emotional importance of that goal for Antony, who had been striving to find his rhythm in England. Casemiro, ever the leader, was also quick to approach his fellow Brazilian with words of encouragement, likely offering both advice and reassurance. The moment underscored the unity within the team a reminder that even in difficult times, the players are backing each other.
While this victory and these individual moments will no doubt boost morale, not everyone is fully convinced of Antony's progress. On talkSPORT, Ally McCoist, a respected football analyst and former player, offered a more critical perspective. McCoist acknowledged that Antony’s performances have yet to consistently meet the high expectations set for him. "Let’s be honest," McCoist said, "Antony hasn’t exactly set things on fire yet." His critique wasn't meant to dismiss Antony's potential but to highlight the fact that the Brazilian still has a long way to go before he truly establishes himself as a key figure for Manchester United.
McCoist went on to compare Antony’s performance with that of Alejandro Garnacho, noting that the young Argentine has arguably been the standout performer among United’s wingers. Garnacho’s energy, tenacity, and creativity have made him a fan favorite, and his contributions have often been crucial in moments when the team needed a spark. McCoist also touched on Marcus Rashford, who, despite scoring recently, has not yet hit top form this season. "You look at Rashford on the other side—yes, he scored at the weekend, but his form hasn’t been great. I think Garnacho is the standout in an otherwise average team," McCoist remarked, summing up a sentiment shared by many observers who believe that, for all their talent, Manchester United’s attacking players have not yet fully clicked this season.
The victory in the cup was undoubtedly a positive step for Manchester United, but it came against a lower-tier opponent. Fans and pundits alike are waiting to see how Ten Hag’s team performs against stronger competition. The next challenge comes in the form of Crystal Palace, a team currently languishing in sixteenth place in the Premier League. Palace, while struggling to find their first win of the season, can still be a tricky opponent. Their physicality, defensive organization, and counter-attacking threat have caused problems for many teams in the past, and they will be desperate to turn their season around.
For Ten Hag, the match against Crystal Palace presents an opportunity to build on the momentum from the cup victory. However, it also raises questions about how he will manage the squad moving forward. Will Garnacho continue to get opportunities to shine? Can Antony build on his penalty goal and find the consistency that fans are hoping for? And what about Rashford, who remains one of the club’s most talented players but has yet to regain the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards?
In the larger context, Manchester United’s season remains one of potential and uncertainty. Ten Hag’s tactical acumen and strong leadership have already made a positive impact on the squad, but the road to sustained success is still long. With a mix of experienced veterans like Casemiro and emerging talents like Garnacho, the team has the building blocks in place to challenge for trophies. However, the real test will be whether they can maintain the flair and confidence shown in the cup match over the course of the demanding Premier League season.
The Carabao Cup victory was a step in the right direction, but for Manchester United, the journey is far from over. The expectations at Old Trafford are always high, and Ten Hag will need to continue rotating his squad, managing egos, and getting the best out of his players if he is to restore the club to its former glory. As the team prepares for their next challenge, all eyes will be on whether they can sustain the level of performance that brought them success in the cup and if players like Antony, Garnacho, and Rashford can lead the charge in Manchester United’s quest for silverware.
