Defending champions Manchester United progressed to the Quarter Finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Swansea City. Jesse Lingard scored either side of half time to slightly improve the mood at Old Trafford, particularly after that 2-1 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town just 72 hours ago in the Premier League.
Lingard scored two beautiful goals, his first being a cool one-on-one finish after a clever flick from Rashford, and his second being a superb glancing header from outside the box from Darmian’s inch-perfect cross. The hosts had some chances to score, with the first one being Wayne Routledge’s inability to handle the ball on a one-on-one, and Tammy Abraham’s shot from 25 yards well-saved by the outstretched Romero. United held on for a comfortable and dominant win just 72 hours after a disappointing loss to Huddersfield Town in the league.
Here are the major Talking Points from the match:
Two Beautiful Goals
Jesse Lingard continued his Cup form with a brace, which means that he has now scored in three cup games in a row. And these were not just your regular goals, these were worthy of many replays. His first was a cool finish past Nordfeldt into the bottom corner while his second was an exceptional header, tucked in from outside the box as he made it look very easy.
Tuanzebe and Darmian Impress at the Back
Recent reports suggested that Mourinho was considering offloading both Darmian and Tuanzebe in the January transfer window, with the former being pushed to a permanent exit and the latter set to leave on a loan. However, both defenders played really well last night, with Darmian producing an excellent display rounded off with a superb assist, and Tuanzebe performing way beyond his years in an assured display in the midfield. If there’s any truth to those rumours, Mourinho should surely think again before making a decision!
Herrera silences critics
Last season’s United’s Player of the Year Ander Herrera hasn’t had an enjoyable start to the season. He’s been well off the mark in some games, hardly being effective in the middle of the park. Critics had been quick to say that he’s overhyped, but a superb performance tonight should remind everyone that he’s unplayable on his day. Agreed, he was playing against a weak opposition, but still, Swansea are a top flight team. And controlling the area alongside an inexperienced partner in McTominay isn’t an easy job at all. He’s been known for being a defensive player, but his pass for Rashford in United’s opener shows that he is equally capable as an attacking midfielder.
Swansea’s disappointing season continues
Swansea have, as most predicted, been struggling in the league. They’re 16th in the standings, and have secured only three points from the last six league games. This game was a chance for them to enjoy at least one competition, but Clement’s decision to rotate his squad shows that they’re actually prioritising the league. Maybe they hope to finish in the upper half of the table. Very easy, right?!
Timely boost
This game was a timely boost for Mourinho’s men, who have had three poor performances in a row, and the defeat to Huddersfield Town had been the unlikeliest blow. Still, the mood at the club would certainly have been improved after this win, which is a timely boost ahead of this weekend’s league game against Tottenham.