Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace: Casemiro stars as much-changed United ease into fourth round of League Cup

Manchester United cruised into the League Cup fourth round with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

The game quickly settled into a pattern, with Manchester United dominating possession and Crystal Palace sitting deep and looking to frustrate the hosts.

Erik ten Hag’s side took the lead after 21 minutes thanks to Alejandro Garnacho. Diogo Dalot did brilliantly down the right-hand side to pull the ball back across the six-yard box and the young Argentine attacker was on hand to fire home.

Just six minutes later and United had doubled their advantage. Mason Mount fired in an outswinging corner which Casemiro was able to meet, diverting his header into the corner past Sam Johnstone.

It was a familiar slow start for Crystal Palace in the first half, a side who came into this match having scored all 10 of their goals this season in the second half of matches.

Roy Hodgson’s side came out for the second half a lot brighter, pressing Manchester United high up the pitch and with intensity, something they didn’t do at all in the first period.

Anthony Martial killed any hopes of a Palace comeback though when he made it 3-0 after 55 minutes to put Manchester United into cruise control. Casemiro fired in a fantastic ball to the back post and Martial was on hand to rifle home past Johnstone.

The introduction of Eberechi Eze brought some spark to his side but in truth it was too little too late for a Palace side that never really got going at Old Trafford.

Attention for both sides now turns to the weekend, where a repeat of this fixture will be played in the Premier League.