EFL Cup holders Manchester United sailed comfortably into the fourth round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
In a match where Manchester United dominated from the start, goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro put the Red Devils in control within the first half-hour. Anthony Martial added a third goal 10 minutes into the second half, securing a spot in the fourth-round draw for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Ten Hag made seven changes to the squad that secured a 1-0 Premier League victory against Burnley over the weekend. Among the players included in the starting lineup were summer loan signing Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Facundo Pellistri, and Hannibal Mejbri.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson also made seven changes to the squad that played to a goalless draw with Fulham in their previous outing. Rob Holding and Dean Henderson, both making their debuts, were part of the changes. However, Henderson had to leave the field in the 19th minute due to a suspected muscle injury, leading to the introduction of Sam Johnstone, another former Manchester United player.
Man United opened the scoring shortly after the change in goalkeepers when Garnacho completed a well-executed move. Diogo Dalot provided the assist by crossing to Pellistri, who set up Garnacho for a low, precise shot from around eight yards out.
The Red Devils extended their lead seven minutes later from a corner kick. Mason Mount’s delivery found Casemiro, who powered a header past Johnstone.
Palace struggled to create opportunities in the first half, prompting Hodgson to make a defensive change at half-time. He brought on Marc Guehi for young winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Manchester United continued to dominate in the second half, and Martial added a third goal 10 minutes after the break. Casemiro delivered an accurate cross from outside the box, allowing Martial to finish with a first-time shot from a tight angle.
Although Palace registered their first shot on goal in the 67th minute, courtesy of Nathaniel Clyne, it was off target. Later, Jean-Philippe Mateta forced a save from Andre Onana, and Jonny Evans came close with a header.
In the closing minutes, Onana denied Mateta again, and Eberechi Eze missed the rebound opportunity. Meanwhile, Johnstone made crucial saves to keep out shots from Victor Lindelof and Garnacho.
Manchester United and Crystal Palace are set to meet once more at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
