Manchester United came from behind twice to beat Aston Villa 4-2 and progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
In what really was a game of two halves, Erik ten Hag’s Reds booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup at the expense of Aston Villa.
You’d be forgiven for turning the game off at half-time with everything pointing towards a 0-0 stalemate but an early second half goal from Ollie Watkins sparked the game into life.
Manchester United would have to come from behind twice to win the game with goals from Anthony Martial. Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay securing the win for The Red Devils.
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Here is how UtdDistrict rated the players:
Martin Dubravka - 5/10
Dealt well with a tricky back pass from Dalot in the first half. Couldn’t do much for either Villa goal and besides that didn’t have too much to do.
Diogo Dalot - 5.5/10
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Came close in the first half with a header which deflected just over the bar. Fantastic pass to release Bruno which carved Villa’s right side open for Martial’s goal. Unfortunate with his own goal to give Villa the lead but should have done better to track the runner. A very mixed night United’s right back.
Harry Maguire - 4/10
Standard yellow card for rushing out of defence to bring someone down on the halfway line. In no man’s land for Villa’s first goal and lost the ball aimlessly to give Watkins another chance later on. Fortunate not to be shown a second yellow late in the game. A sloppy performance overall and hasn’t done anything to give Ten Hag any doubts about who his centre backs are in his strongest XI.
Victor Lindelöf - 5/10
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Defended well in the first half but too weak and passive in the second. For all the talk of Maguire needing a new defensive partner over the past few years, it’s proven that we see a different Lindelöf without Maguire next to him. Subbed off for Lisandro Martinez with five minutes remaining
Tyrrell Malacia - 6/10
Energetic performance from the United left-back. Created a half chance for Dalot in the first half and got through a lot of work down United’s left.
Fred - 4.5/10
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You never quite know what you’re going to get with Fred. On his day he could be considered undroppable. Tonight was the bad side of Fred. Slow in possession. Wrong choices. Lost the ball for Villa’s goal. Bad night for the Brazilian which was brought to an end as part of Ten Hag’s triple substitution in the 62nd minute.
Scott McTominay - 6.5/10
Good defensive header from a Villa corner to potentially prevent a goal. Much like his midfield partner tonight, the quality just isn’t there on the ball and it hampers the progression of the team. The drop-off from Eriksen and Casemiro is glaringly obvious but McTominay did well tonight. Got through a lot of the dirty work and deserved his goal in the final minutes after going close shortly before.
Bruno Fernandes - 6.5/10
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Brought energy that United perhaps missed at the weekend although I don’t think ‘project right wing’ will last too much longer. Great run and pass for Martial’s goal. Wasted a big chance where he may have been better pulling it back to look for a team mate but made up for it with a goal 10 minutes later via some good fortune of a Mings deflection.
Donny van de Beek - 4/10
A typical performance from the Dutchman. He’s struggling to impact any game he’s involved with at the moment. Everything seems to happen around him whilst he runs aimlessly. It’s a shame but his United career looks to be ending only one way. Came off just after the hour mark.
Anthony Martial - 6/10
A good return to the side and pressed well. Was a little sloppy with the ball and struggled to get into the game especially in the first half but got more involved as the game opened up. If he can stay fit he’ll be an important player for the rest of the season. Came off with 30 minutes to go.
Marcus Rashford - 6.5/10
If you looked at his birth certificate, you wouldn’t be shocked if ‘offside’ was his middle name. Took his goal well after latching on to a loose ball in the Villa box. A poor first half from United’s no.10 but became more involved as the game got stretched where he’s undoubtedly at his best with space to run in behind. Created a good opening for Bruno which was wasted by the Portuguese midfielder. Taken off for Casemiro late on.
Subs
Christian Eriksen - 6.5/10
His drive forward led to Rashford’s goal. Great first time pass to open up a good opportunity for McTominay towards the end. His quality was lacking when he wasn’t on the pitch and it’s clear why Ten Hag insists on starting him almost every game.
Alejandro Garnacho - 7.5/10
Lively cameo from the Argentine. Two assists and was a constant threat from United’s left. Arguably United’s best performer on the night and a big reason why United are in the next round. 7.5 feels harsh as there isn’t much more he could have done as a sub.
Anthony Elanga - N/A
Unlike his teammate on the other wing, struggled to really have an impact on the game in the same amount of time.
Casemiro - N/A
Brought on to steady the ship and protect the lead.
Lisandro Martinez - N/A
Much like Casemiro. A trusted body brought on to see out the win.
Topics: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Carabao Cup, Marcus Rashford, Football, Anthony Martial