Manchester United 2-0 Burnley: Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen both score to send United to League Cup quarters

Marcus Rashford capped his return to club football with a wonderful goal as Manchester United safely secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the League Cup following a 2-0 win over Burnley.

In the first match at Old Trafford in six weeks, Erik ten Hag named five players who featured at the World Cup in the starting XI including Christian Eriksen who opened the scoring after 27 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the United full-back – making a rare start – was at full stretch to hook it back across the face of goal and leave Eriksen with a tap-in. It was Wan-Bissaka’s first assist since May 2021.

United survived a couple of nervy moments from stand-in goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, and at the opposite end, Bailey Peacock-Farrell was alert to keep out efforts from Alejandro Garnarcho and Anthony Martial.

There was nothing Peacock-Farrell could do about Rashford’s goal, which came 12 minutes after the restart. Picking the ball up in his own half, he embarked on a menacing run before hammering a shot emphatically into the bottom corner.

Ashley Barnes spurned a huge chance for Burnley to halve the deficit, as visiting manager Vincent Kompany’s return to Old Trafford ended in defeat.

The only negative for United was the late yellow card shown to Bruno Fernandes, who will now miss the next match in the competition.

Talking point – Rashford shines as United prove too strong

After reminding the world of his undeniable quality in Qatar where he netted three goals for England as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the quarter-finals, Rashford was straight back to business at Old Trafford. He was as lively and energetic as anyone on the pitch, despite Burnley having played two Championship matches in the space of 10 days.

To even start Rashford was a sure sign from Ten Hag that he is taking the Carabao Cup seriously this season. With Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham already eliminated, as well as one of Manchester City and Liverpool, the Dutchman will sense a golden opportunity to grab some silverware this season.

Player of the match – Marcus Rashford (Man Utd)

Rashford’s direct running with close control and pace was a nightmare for Burnley. When the 25-year-old is playing with this kind of confidence, any Premier League defence will struggle to contain him. The key for Ten Hag is that he finds a way for him to continue scoring; after all, he is now his main striker.

Player ratings

Man Utd: Dubravka 5, Wan-Bissaka 8, Lindelof 6, McTominay 5, Malacia 6, Casemiro 7, Eriksen 7, Fernandes 8, Rashford 8*, Garnacho 6, Martial 6.. subs: Shaw 5, Williams N/A, Fred N/A, Antony 5, Elanga 5.

Burnley: Peacock-Farrell 7, Roberts 5, Harwood-Bellis 5, Beyer 5, Maatsen 5, Cullen 5, Cork 5, Brownhill 5, Gudmundsson 7, Benson 7, Barnes 6.. subs: Churlinov 6, Twine N/A, Taylor N/A, Bastien N/A, Egan-Riley N/A

Match highlights

27’ – GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 BURNLEY (CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN): Fernandes picks out Wan-Bissaka at the by-line but my word, what an assist from the full-back. He’s at full stretch to hook it across the face of goal and it’s a simple finish for Eriksen who rifles home.

57’ – GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 BURNLEY (MARCUS RASHFORD): A wonderful solo goal from Rashford doubles United’s advantage! Picking up the ball from inside his own half, he embarks on a menacing solo run and just keeps going and going, eventually hammering the ball into the bottom corner with an emphatic finish. Wow!

83′ – BARNES… NO! It’s a gift from Casemiro as he passes straight to Gudmundsson. He delivers a cross to the near post, finding Barnes on the move but, with a first-time shot, he fails to find the target!