Man United dispatches Palace to begin League Cup defense

From the offset, Manchester United looked comfortable against Crystal Palace in their League Cup third-round tie. While Crystal Palace sat back and welcomed the pressure, Manchester United held the ball in the Crystal Palace half. Cross-field passes from Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat persistently threatened Crystal Palace. Therefore, it was no surprise that one of those passes started the movement for Manchester United’s opener.

One of those long balls across the field from Mason Mount met Facundo Pellistri. The Uruguayan brought the ball down and linked up with Diogo Dalot. Dalot squared the ball across for Alejandro Garnacho to bang the ball into the back of the net in the 21st minute.

Six minutes later, United doubled its advantage with a header from Casemiro. The Brazilian scored his club-leading fourth goal on the season with a perfectly placed header on a corner. Just before then, Pellistri almost scored. However, a desperate challenge from USMNT center-back Chris Richards blocked the youngster’s attempt. Casemiro shored up the miss with a goal on the ensuing corner.

United plays subs with big lead over Palace in League Cup

A two-goal cushion ballooned into three no more than 10 minutes into the second half. With Casemiro scoring in the first half, he turned into a provider in the second half. He floated a cross from 25 yards away to the back side. Originally, it looked as if Hannibal Mejbri would meet the cross. The ball sailed over the 20-year-old’s head, where Anthony Martial was waiting. The Frenchman played the ball on its first bounce with a one-touch finish into the Crystal Palace net.

By this point, Manchester United was effectively assured of advancing to the next round of the League Cup. After several substitutions, Manchester United had a remarkably young lineup on the field. Garnacho, Pellistri, Mejbri, Rasmus Hojlund and Dan Gore were on the field for the Red Devils. Each of those players is 21 or younger. They received crucial minutes against a Premier League side.

Those players had several chances against Sam Johnstone in the Crystal Palace net. However, the three-goal lead was enough for Manchester United. Crystal Palace could only muster two shots on target against Andre Onana. The new goalkeeper, who has been under the microscope this season, was level to both attempts.

Manchester United will continue its League Cup defense in the fourth round. The club learns its opponent on Wednesday, Sep. 27, after the third round concludes. United was one of just two Premier League clubs to advance to the fourth round on Tuesday. Luton Town lost to Exeter from the third-tier League One. Wolverhampton Wanderers held a two-goal lead against Ipswich Town. However, Ipswich, which is thriving in the Championship this season, scored three goals to defeat Wolves.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportsphoto