Manchester United eased past Colchester United 3-0 in their Carabao Cup quarter-final, but with the League Two side having already beaten two Premier League sides on penalties in this season’s competition, it was, perhaps, not as easy a draw as they might have originally thought. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named a side which mixed youth and experience, while Colchester’s manager, John McGreal, named a side with just two changes from their draw against Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
Manchester United Set Up Local Derby in Carabao Cup After Beating Colchester United
U’s Hold the Red Devils
Colchester set up extremely defensively, as you would expect of a League Two side playing at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s 80% possession in the first half shows that they fully dominated as the visitors sat back and soaked up the pressure.
They were, however, very wasteful in front of goal. Out of their 13 shots, only one was on target, and Colchester goalkeeper Dean Gergen was hardly challenged. The Red Devils’ biggest culprit in terms of missing chances this half was certainly Marcus Rashford.
Andreas Pereira’s through ball 31 minutes in sent Rashford clean through, but he inexplicably missed it. Despite United’s dominance, Colchester’s organised defence meant that it was all square going into the break.
Class Begins to Show
United came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, however, it was Colchester who had the first clear cut chance, which happened at 51 minutes. After another Manchester United attack came to nothing, Colchester had a quick break. Full-back Ryan Jackson sprinted from his own half and had a good opportunity, however, the shot was easy for United goalkeeper Sergio Romero to deal with.
United broke back after this, however, and Rashford, who hands looked off-colour in the first half, slotted it home beautifully.
Shortly after, Jackson put the ball into his own net off a lovely Mason Greenwood cross. Jackson had been at fault for United’s first goal, so this only helped in further souring his night. The only consolation for the Colchester right back is that Rashford was right behind him and poised to finish regardless of whether he touched it.
Anthony Martial added another goal to United’s tally at 61 minutes. His finish was rather akin to that of strike partner Rashford from earlier. Close to goal and powered into the top corner.
After this, United eased off. They maintained their chance creation but allowed Colchester to have more of the ball and more shots on goal. Among Manchester United’s chances was a header for Harry Maguire-an opportunity for him to open his goal-scoring account there. The header was powerful but superbly saved by Gerken.
Played Out as Expected?
Colchester lined up, as expected, extremely defensively. United dominated, and the scoreline certainly shows that. Although the Reds performed admirably in parts of the second half, Colchester managed to nullify many of their attacks and can take a lot away from the fact that they managed to control one of the most explosive attacks in English football.
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