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Manchester United advance to the Carabao Cup Quarter-final: 5 key takeaways from the match against Burnley

'£25M rated player attracting interest from all corners'-Manchester United is displaying interest to sign him on Eric Ten Hag's advice

Club football leagues and cup competitions resumed after a memorable FIFA World Cup 2022. Manchester United were back in action in at Old Trafford for a Carabao Cup Round of 16 clash against second-division side Burnley on Thursday. Goals from World Cup returnees Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford settled the tightly contested clash. This will be the first time we see how players react and perform after a mid-season sabbatical from club football.

Manchester United’s first-choice centre-back pairing featured on opposite sides during the World Cup Final and hence were not available for this encounter. Victor Lindelof started at the back with Casemiro dropping deep alongside the Swede. Aaron Wan-Bissaka started as right-back, eager to earn his starting eleven spot back. 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho was given yet another start down the left flank with Anthony Martial up front.

Vincent Kompany set foot on enemy territory once again but this time as a coach as his side enjoyed a few moments of menace, majorly with Manuel Benson who looked lively. Ashley Barnes missed a couple of opportunities before the Red Devils held on to a two-goal advantage and secured a clean sheet despite a nervy defensive performance.

Let’s take a look at five key takeaways from the match.

Rampant Rashford

Marcus Rashford left he World Cup debacle as well as Burnley defenders behind him as he paced down the right flank with the ball from near the halfway line and smashed it in at the far post to score United’s second goal of the evening. The attacker had an impressive stint in Qatar with the Three Lions, playing five games and scoring three goals.

However, earlier this season, the 25-year-old came under a lot of flak due to a few disappointing performances. A few fans noticed that his performance on the left flank was comparatively better than on the right. However, Rashford’s recent form has picked up and his stellar goal against Burnley came after a gallop with the ball down the right.

Casemiro’s Versatality

The Red Devils were short of defenders ahead of this match. Varane and Martinez were yet to return from their international break, while illness put Harry Maguire on the sidelines. Victor Lindelof was the only fit centre-back available for the encounter, so Erik Ten Hag decided to deploy Casemiro alongside Sweden’s skipper.

The Brazilian midfielder was decent at the back and completed the most passes (90) in the match. From a defensive point of view, he was solid, making seven clearances and six recoveries. He was only involved in a couple of ground duels and won both of them. Playing the entire 90 minutes at the back, Casemiro did not commit a single foul.

Martial Fruitless

After Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden exit from the club, the goalscoring onus has fallen on the other striker at Old Trafford – Anthony Martial. After a few impressive performances before the World Cup, the French striker was quite inept in front of goal against Burnley. The 27-year-old lasted 72 minutes before he was substituted.

During the time he was on the pitch, the striker could only attempt two shots. Despite keeping both of them on target, he failed to find the back of the net. The first attempt was straight at the keeper while the second forced a save out of Peacock-Farell. Apart from that, Martial won just one out of four ground duels and none of the three aerial duels he was involved in.

Wan Bissaka’s Resurgence

Diogo Dalot’s hamstring injury during the World Cup has ruled him out till January. With the right-back spot vacant, Ten Hag relied on Aaron Wan Bissaka in the tricky Round of 16 clash. The former Crystal Palace right-back was fiven the perfect opportunity to impress and he took it with aplomb.

Not only did the spectators see glimpses of the old and solid version of Wan Bissaka in defence, they also saw him set up Erisken’s goal with an absolutely spectacular assist. The full-back has till January to prove his importance to the side otherwise the 25-year-old could be shown the exit door in the January transfer window itself.

Dubravka Unconvincing

From the fax machine fiasco of David de Gea to being linked with Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper Yann Sommer, the goalkeeping situation has been topsy-turvy ever since de Gea’s arrival. The latest addition in that position has been Martin Dubravka, who has joined Ten Hag’s side on loan from Newcastle United.

Dubravka’s display between the sticks in the first-half against Burnley proves why there is reluctance to make his loan move permanent. The 33-year-old almost conceded an embarrassing own goal before the break, and his performance was nervy throughout. The Slovak was lucky to walk away with a clean sheet.

 

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