Manchester United gave the Old Trafford crowd a second half to savour in their 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the League Cup, their final home match before the World Cup.
After a drab first half the tie exploded after half-time with two goals within a minute. Ollie Watkins’ 48th-minute opener was cancelled out 19 seconds after the restart by Anthony Martial before Diogo Dalot’s own goal put Villa ahead just after the hour mark.
An excellent bundling run and finish from Marcus Rashford levelled the game six minutes later before a deflected Bruno Fernandes effort turned the tie around. A sumptuous cross from Alejandro Garnacho allowed Scott McTominay to prod home the fourth goal on the stretch in stoppage time to cap a successful night.
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Amidst all the flurry of action, there are a number of things United fans may have missed during the tie.
Eriksen’s reaction to Garnacho assist
Christian Eriksen took a stranglehold of the game when he came on after Villa’s second goal. The World Cup-bound Dane is known for his creative assists but it was Garnacho who earned the plaudits for his two set-ups.
His ball for McTominay’s goal was top quality and Eriksen made sure to note it as soon as the ball hit the net. He turned around and pointed to the young Argentine to acknowledge his significant role in the goal.
Martinez’s funny push on Malacia
Lisandro Martinez is known for his bullishness and also his strong rapport with teammates. Tyrell Malacia was careful not to squash McTominay who was clutching his hamstring on the floor during his celebrations after his stretch for the goal.
But Martinez was having none of it and gave a friendly but firm shove on Malacia, causing him to face-plant Garnacho's back, who was hugging McTominay. Both players clearly have a good relationship.
Dalot shows leadership
He may have ended the night with an own goal but Dalot made valid contributions to the team. He has come into his own this season and is emerging as a defensive leader.
His communication with Antony has often been witnessed and he was seen spurring on Donny van de Beek throughout the game before he was replaced. Dalot, 23, also played peacemaker, separating Fernandes and Douglas Luiz when the pair went head-to-head at one point.
Rashford’s pressing leads to winner
Some may have missed it due to what followed, but Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen gave the ball away after being pressed by Rashford. It’s clear Ten Hag prefers Rashford over Cristiano Ronaldo - who was absent through illness - due to his pressing abilities.
And his player backed up this theory by hassling Olsen when on the ball - something that was absent in the first half.
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