Marcus Rashford shines as Man Utd break Erik ten Hag record in Barnsley thrashing - The Mirror

MANCHESTER UNITED 7-0 BARNSLEY: Erik ten Hag recorded the biggest win of his Old Trafford tenure as the Red Devils marched into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup

Erik ten Hag hailed a “perfect night” as Manchester United recorded their biggest win under him to cruise into the last 16.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen each scored twice, with Antony converting from the penalty spot to seal an emphatic win.

Match-winner Rashford was also involved in the build-up to three other goals, as United ran amok against their League One opponents.

The last time United played at Old Trafford, Ten Hag admitted there were no positives to take, after his side were humbled 3-0 by arch rivals Liverpool.

Here, though, there were positives all over the pitch for the United boss, who said: “For the team, this was the perfect night. We did everything we planned to do, scored some great goals, entertained the fans and worked on our game model, so we're happy.

“With Marcus, I know from my first season here that when he scores, it's easier for the team. When you have a player in your squad who guarantees goals, then it can make a difference.

“Marcus is a big guy, he's scored so many goals and on the list of United goalscorers, he's near the top of it. But you're only as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it.”

Rashford said: “Football’s football. Sometimes you have ups, sometimes you have downs, but you have to use these games to find momentum, find consistency and just try your best to bring your best level in each game.

“We’ll move on to the next game now. Just rest and recover and focus on the next one.”

Rashford began the scoring spree after 16 minutes, controlling a majestic crossfield pass from Garnacho, then dispatching an emphatic finish past Barnsley keeper Gabriel Slonina.

It was Rashford's second goal in as many games, his strike in last Saturday's 3-0 win at Southampton ending a six-month wait to find the net and prove his confidence has returned after a difficult spell on and off the pitch.

Manuel Ugarte, making his first start since his £50million move from Paris St Germain, gave United fans a glimpse of what they can expect going forward, with a surging midfield run on the half-hour mark, shrugging off his pursuers before he was fouled.

United were awarded a penalty when Antony was brought down by Slonina, after getting to the ball first from a Rashford pass. Antony then converted from the spot to put United 2-0 up.

Garnacho made it 3-0 just before the break, poking an angled shot past Slonina after more impressive work from Rashford in the build-up, then claimed his second of the night with a cool finish in the 49th minute.

Rashford plundered United's fifth in the 58th minute, while Christian Eriksen made it six and then seven moments later, Ten Hag's side turning on the style and potentially turning a corner after a difficult start to the season.

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