Manchester United booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a win over League One side Charlton on Tuesday night.
Erik ten Hag rang the changes for the cup match, handing opportunities to Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga, and United came through unscathed to make it six straight wins and five clean sheets since the World Cup. But it was far from a vintage performance from the home side, who lacked fluency in the final third until Marcus Rashford's late brace.
Antony curled a wonderful shot into the far corner in the first half to make it 1-0. Garnacho sparkled early on, Diogo Dalot blazed over a clear opportunity, Fred hit the post with a free-kick and Elanga had a goal correctly ruled out for offside, but there wasn't much to shout about until late on.
Charlton grew in confidence as the match wore on, but rarely tested Tom Heaton in the United goal. United made the game safe late on when substitute Rashford stabbed in and beat the offside trap to score his second in injury-time.
They will therefore be among the teams in the semi-final draw when it takes place on Wednesday night. Here are Mirror Football's talking points from the game at Old Trafford.
Antony back in business
The £81.3million price tag, which could rise to £85.5m with contract-related add-ons, had appeared to be weighing heavy on Antony at times this season. But, having now signed him twice, the Brazilian is Ten Hag’s man and therefore has his backing.
After a run of eight games – or 12 if you include Brazil’s at the World Cup – without a goal, he now appears to be back in business. Having scored in the 3-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup on Friday, the 22-year-old repeated the trick against Charlton.
It was a strike right out of the Antony (or Arjen Robben) playbook, with the winger coming inside off the right wing and curling a lovely strike into the far corner with his left foot. Ten Hag, who substituted him in the 60th minute, will hope that his fifth goal for the club is a sign of more to come.
Malacia form bad news for Maguire
Coming into this game, Harry Maguire had started just one of United’s five games since the World Cup. The situation has been made even more concerning for the United captain by the fact Luke Shaw has been starting in his place at centre-back.
He was back in the side, with the captain’s armband, at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. And yet the match did not really help his case. With United dominating the ball, Maguire had little to do defensively.
But left-back Tyrell Malacia was very busy, charging up and down the left flank, linking up well with Alejandro Garnacho and getting back on a few occasions to win back possession. Malacia’s strong form could be bad news for Maguire because it could encourage Ten Hag to stick with the Shaw at centre-back experiment.
Anti-Glazers protest
United continued their strong form under Ten Hag since the World Cup – but there continues to be an elephant in the room at Old Trafford.
Fans got what they wanted back in November when the Glazers announced they had put the club up for sale. But they are not gone yet – and the 18 years of their reign remains a major bone of contention for supporters. They were keen to make their voices heard against Charlton.
After a moment of celebration, Antony’s goal was followed by a loud rendition of “we want Glazers out” by thousands of those inside Old Trafford. It was a timely reminder of what is at stake as the American billionaires search for investors.
Quiet debut for Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has been sparking plenty of excitement among United fans recently. The 17-year-old midfielder was handed his full senior debut by Ten Hag on Tuesday night – but it wasn’t to be a fairytale one.
Speaking before the game, Ten Hag explained his decision. “It's a great opportunity, he did very well during the winter camp in Spain,” he said. “He also did very well against Everton in a friendly. He deserved to play, so I'm happy to give him the opportunity – it's about deserving it. He has to [be ready]."
Mainoo was definitely ready and he did everything he could to try and impress, but the game did not suit his style. With Charlton sat deep in a low defensive block, United were forced to funnel most of their attacking down the flanks, leaving Mainoo as a spare part in an attacking midfield role.
He completed 23 of his 27 passes, yet did not attempt a shot or a dribble before being replaced in the 60th minute.
The need for Weghorst
Tuesday brought the news that United are closing in on the loan signing of Burnley ’s Wout Weghorst, who is currently on loan with Besiktas. The 6ft 6in striker might not sound like the most exciting signing – but it does make sense.
Weghorst has nine goals and four assists in 18 games for Besiktas this season and his presence will provide Ten Hag’s team with a focal point that was lacking against Charlton. Anthony Elanga occupied the central position, with Marcus Rashford on the bench and Anthony Martial not in the squad.
The Swedish forward did not appear suited to the role, with United too often missing someone to occupy the centre-backs and get on the end of crosses. Elanga did get the ball in the net, but he was offside when he tapped in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross.
Pellistri makes his point
Facundo Pellistri had been waiting a long time for this chance. And when it did eventually come, he made the most of it.
The Uruguayan youngster has been conspicuous by his absence at United, with two loan spells to Alaves meaning many fans haven't seen a sight of him. They finally got their chance against Charlton.
Pellistri made his first appearance for the club as a late substitute and, after a bright few moments, slid in Rashford to score the second goal. It was a brief cameo, but a promising one nonetheless.
