“He was our unsung hero last night. Everyone is praising Garnacho, but he’s not the one,” said Marcus Rashford, as he named the one Manchester United player who dominated the game for the full 90 minutes. According to Rashford, it wasn’t Antony or Casemiro who stood out.

Manchester United began their Carabao Cup journey in stunning fashion with a resounding 7-0 victory over Barnsley at Old Trafford. This commanding win marks one of the most significant triumphs in the club’s history and is the largest under the leadership of Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager made eight changes to the side that played against Southampton, including the debut of new summer signing Manuel Ugarte in midfield.

The Red Devils’ front line took control early, with all three attackers scoring in the first half. Marcus Rashford, riding high on confidence after his recent goal against Southampton, broke the deadlock and later added another to his tally in the second half. Alejandro Garnacho had a standout performance, delivering two goals and two assists, continuing his strong start to the season and showcasing his growing influence on the team.

Although Rashford and Garnacho received much of the praise for their attacking brilliance, Christian Eriksen’s contribution in midfield should not be overlooked. With club captain Bruno Fernandes rested for most of the match and coming on as a late substitute, Eriksen took on an advanced midfield role. His presence was pivotal in orchestrating United’s attacks, seamlessly slicing through Barnsley’s defense with precise passes. Eriksen ended the game with 65 touches and an impressive 96 percent pass completion rate. He also registered an assist, setting up Garnacho for United’s fourth goal, before scoring two goals himself late in the match.

At 32, Eriksen displayed a masterful performance, not only contributing offensively but also proving solid in defense, winning 75 percent of his duels. His partnership with Casemiro and Ugarte in midfield worked exceptionally well, reflecting Ten Hag’s tactical adjustments to bring balance to the team, an aspect for which he has faced criticism in the past.

Despite being on the verge of leaving Manchester United during the summer transfer window, Eriksen’s recent performances have demonstrated his continued value to the squad. His form in this Carabao Cup match reaffirms his importance to Ten Hag’s plans, as United move forward in the competition with renewed confidence.