Manchester United delivered a stunning performance in the League Cup, thrashing third-tier Barnsley 7-0 on Tuesday to storm into the last 16. With two goals each from *Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen, United secured their biggest-ever win in the competition under manager Erik Ten Hag.
The victory marked a crucial moment for United, who have had an up-and-down season. Ten Hag, who took over in 2022, saw his side dominate the match from start to finish, with Rashford breaking his six-month goal drought just 16 minutes into the game. His powerful finish set the tone for what would become a demolition job at Old Trafford.
After Rashford’s opener, Antony doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 35th minute. Garnacho’s clinical strike just before halftime made it 3-0, putting the match out of reach for Barnsley. The Argentine sensation added a second goal early in the second half, set up by Rashford, before returning the favor to assist Rashford’s second.
Christian Eriksen, who hadn’t scored for over a year, added to Barnsley’s misery with a calm finish from Bruno Fernandes’s cross. He then sealed United’s biggest margin of victory under Ten Hag with a stunning long-range effort in the 81st minute.
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Joining United in the fourth round were Brentford, who defeated Leyton Orient 3-1, and Crystal Palace, who edged past Queen’s Park Rangers 2-1. However, there was drama elsewhere as Fulham was sensationally knocked out by Preston North End in a marathon 34-penalty shootout after their match ended 1-1. Preston’s 16-15 shootout victory set a new record for the longest-ever in League Cup history.
Ten Hag, who has faced pressure since his arrival, was thrilled with the performance. “This was our best game under my management. We played with pace, precision, and ruthless finishing,” he said. Rashford also reflected on his return to form, saying, “Football has its ups and downs, but nights like this build momentum.”
United’s previous biggest wins under Ten Hag were 4-1 victories over Real Betis and Chelsea, but this 7-0 rout sets a new high as they continue their League Cup journey.
