After cup success in both of the last 2 seasons, United started their cup action for the year with a home tie against Barnsley. A decent opponent for United to build confidence against, and thankfully they did just that. Avoiding any risk of embarrassment, they went ahead early, and produced the biggest win under Ten Hag. While it’s a no-win situation with players being laughed at for over celebrating this win, it’s a sign of a moral boost after recent weeks, and hopefully something to build on.

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Teams

Untied went for a somewhat rotated side, with Bayindir, Collyer and Evans being given a start, however the XI and squad used was still strong, with all the big names still featuring heavily, suggesting that Ten Hag wants to improve fitness, regain form and build momentum with his strongest side.

For Barnsley, there weren’t many household names on display, but they rotated heavily at half-time, making 3 changes as they looked to give players minutes and control the game a bit after going 3-0 down in the first period.

Manchester United: Bayindir, Collyer, Evans (De Ligt 78′), Maguire, Dalot (Mazraoui 63′), Ugarte (Fernandes 62′), Casemiro, Garnacho (Amad 84′), Eriksen, Antony, Rashford (Zirkzee 63′)

Subs: Heaton, Martinez, Mainoo, Wheatley

Barnsley: Slonina, Earl, Roberts (McCarthy 46′), de Gevigney, Yoganathan (Craig 46′), Phillips, O’Leeffe, Cotter (Lofthouse 63′), Connell, Jalo (Humphrys 46′), Watters (Cosgrove 56′)

Subs: Killip, Russell, Benson, Marsh

Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley

Manchester United were rampant at Old Trafford, tearing Barnsley apart in a clinical 7–0 victory to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The hosts struck first through Marcus Rashford in the 16th minute, the forward collecting a cross from Alejandro Garnacho before curling a composed finish past the Barnsley keeper, a sweet moment for Rashford in what was his 200th home appearance for United. United then earned a penalty when Antony was brought down, and he made no mistake from the spot, sending the crowd into raptures before Garnacho added a third just before half-time after pouncing on a loose ball.

After the break, Ten Hag’s side showed no mercy. Garnacho scored again just minutes into the second half, confidently finishing off a flowing move carved open by Christian Eriksen. Rashford then returned the favour, flicking on a pass for Garnacho to race clear and slot home for United’s fifth. With the game well wrapped up, Erik ten Hag made use of his bench, bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee, yet the attacking threat never waned.

In the final quarter, Christian Eriksen capped off a sparkling night with a brace of his own. First he finished a low cross from Fernandes, then curled in a second with style from the edge of the box, rounding off United’s biggest-ever margin of victory in the League Cup under Ten Hag. It was a dominant, confident display, and a reminder that when United click, there may be few better sides on their day.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s 7–0 demolition of Barnsley not only secured safe passage into the next round of the Carabao Cup but also marked the biggest win of Erik ten Hag’s tenure. The performance felt like a release valve after a mixed start to the season, with United delivering the kind of fluid, ruthless attacking display fans have been craving. From Rashford’s early opener to Eriksen’s late brace, it was the first time in months that Old Trafford felt buoyant from first whistle to last.

The Carabao Cup has already proved a valuable competition for Ten Hag, having delivered his first trophy at the club in 2023, and results like this will encourage the belief that it could be a source of success again this season. The squad looked energised, the depth was on display, and the manager used the match to rebuild confidence and rhythm. With several players providing strong performances, the cup may continue to be the ideal platform for United to sharpen their attacking patterns and restore momentum.

Of course, tougher nights lie ahead. Barnsley battled gamely but were ultimately overwhelmed, and the rounds to come will pit United against stronger, Premier League-level opposition. Ten Hag will know that while a 7–0 score-line is impressive, the real tests of resilience and quality are still on the horizon. For now, though, United can enjoy a rare emphatic victory, and perhaps take it as a sign that better performances could be building as the season unfolds.