Manchester United produced their best performance of the season so far as they kicked off their Carabao Cup title defense with a convincing 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Erik ten Hag’s side recorded consecutive wins for the first time this season, while a much-changed United team dominated the game at Old Trafford.
First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro sent the hosts on their way to the fourth round of the League Cup before Anthony Martial added a third goal with his first goal of the season.
Harry Maguire celebrated a clean sheet on his first start of the season as the hosts asserted their control against Roy Hodgson’s struggling Palace team.
Mail Sport give their player ratings from United’s win in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United produced their best performance of the season so far as they launched their Carabao Cup title defense
Casemiro was United’s standout player as he scored the second and set up the third
Your browser does not support iframes.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-1-4-1)
André Onana – 6
Was a complete spectator in the first half, but stood tall when necessary. Excellent stop with his feet to deny Mateta just after the hour mark. David de Gea-esque…
Diogo Dalot-7.5
Really clear screen and got the assist for Garnacho’s goal. A constant threat that caused major headaches for Tyrick Mitchell.
Harry Maguire-7
Made a crucial ball to stop a tap at the back post for Jean-Philippe Mateta at 0-0. A comfortable display for England assistant Steve Holland.
Harry Maguire (right) netted in his first start of the season for United
Raphael Varane – 6.5
Wearing the captain’s armband while Bruno Fernandes was rested, he did well back at the crease. There will be much tougher tests this season.
Sofyan Amrabat-8
Made his full debut as one of Erik ten Hag’s seven substitutes and although he started at left back, he seemed to play everywhere but in goal. The kind of dominant display that will have tongues wagging all week until these sides meet again at the weekend.
Sofyan Amrabat demonstrated his versatility after starting at left-back on his Old Trafford debut
Casemiro – 8.5
Brought in brilliantly for his fourth goal of the season to double United’s lead and get an assist for Anthony Martial’s goal at 3-0. When he’s singing, he makes the playing look so effortless.
Casemiro was back to his best as he led the show in a man of the match display
Facundo Pellistri – 6.5
Not perfect, but he is an old-fashioned, direct winger that the fans can get behind. Could see flashes that make him worth pushing on on the right as Jadon Sancho continues to sulk about staying away from the first team.
Hannibal Mejbri-7
Has the energy of a Duracell bunny. Tireless in his running, but he must be careful not to take cheap cards as he risks his minutes. Booked
Mason Assembly – 7.5
A fantastic display. This was his breakthrough moment for Manchester United and the only shame for him was that it only lasted 45 minutes. Should start Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho-6.5
Reacted quicker than anyone to open the scoring but struggled to build on it. United spent a lot more time attacking down the right, which didn’t help their cause.
Alejandro Garnacho (right) opened the scoring with a well-taken shot from close range
Garnacho was a constant attacking thorn in Palace’s defense all evening
Anthony Martial – 6.5
Like his career at Manchester United, this was a quiet outing for the Frenchman. But he did score a goal and it was the goal his manager celebrated the most. A necessary confidence booster.
subtitles:
Victor Lindelof (for Mason Mount, 46) – 6.5
Jonny Evans (for Raphael Varane, 60) – 6
Dan Gore (for Sofyan Amrabat, 60) – 6
Donny van de Beek (for Hannibal Mejbri, 71)
Manager: Erik ten Hag – 8
He made seven changes but was right with United’s best football in months. Must have been especially pleased with the contributions of Mount and Amrabat.
Erik ten Hag recorded his second consecutive win of the season as United put in another improved performance
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2)
Dean Henderson-4
The big night made his Palace debut against his old club but it ended in disaster when he had to leave in the 19th minute due to a recurring problem with his right thigh.
Nathanial Clyne – 5.5
Did more to restrict Garnacho than Mitchell at the other end, but this wasn’t a night for too many pats on the back if you’re a Palace defender.
Rob Holding-5
Like Henderson, the central defender made his Palace debut here. He lasted much longer, but he struggled. Booked.
Rob Holding (left) made his Palace debut but struggled against United’s free-flowing attack
Chris Richards – 5.5
Huge lunge block to deny Facundo Pellsitri a goal in the six-yard box and make it 2-0. That can only happen so much if United’s attackers and midfielders arrive en masse.
Tyrick Mitchell – 4.5
Run by both Dalot and Pellitri. Must have been happy to get back on the bus home.
Jeshurun Rak-Sakyi – 4.5
I screamed for opportunities after Palace turned down the chance to send him out on loan. Was bullied by a supposedly out of position Amrabat. Submerged.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (right) shouted for opportunities but was bullied by Amrabat
Cheick Doucoure – 5.5
Was the less effective of Palace’s two central midfielders. Generated interest in the summer and has plenty of talent, but this evening was dictated and dominated by United’s midfield trio of Mount, Casemiro and Mejbri.
Jairo Riedewald-6
Palace’s best player of the night. Basically tried to make things happen as Palace wrestled the ball back. Major concerns when he left, but Palace fans will hope it is a precautionary measure and not another injury.
Jordan Ayew-6
Was pushed upfield when Eberechi Eze came on, but found himself heading back towards his own goal rather than rushing for United due to Dalot’s tireless running.
Jordan Ayew (right) ended up doing more defending than attacking during the cup match
Jeffrey Schlupp-5
Played up top as part of a front two, but his influence on the game was virtually nil.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 5.5
Had a chance to score in the second half and scored the best save of the night from Onana from a Palace perspective. Little service didn’t help him.
subtitles:
Sam Johnstone (for Dean Henderson, 19) – 5.5
Marc Guehi (for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, 46) – 5
Eberechi Eze (for Jeffrey Schlupp, 59) – 6.5
Will Hughes (for Chiek Doucoure, 59) – 6
Manager: Roy Hodgson – 6
Hodgson’s record in this competition arrived dismal and left a lot worse. In his 11 seasons as Premier League manager overseeing a team in the League Cup, his sides have only progressed past the fourth round once, much to the frustration of Palace fans.
Roy Hodgson’s torrid record in the Carabao Cup continued as Palace crashed out
Referee: Michael Salisbury – 7
Neither manager can have too many complaints about Salisbury, who was jeered by the supporters when his name was read out. Got his bookings on the spot and kept the game flowing.