Following the elimination of numerous other top teams the previous day, Manchester United twice rallied from behind to defeat Aston Villa 4-2 and proceed to the English League Cup’s round of 16.
After a sluggish first 45 minutes, the game picked up steam in the second half, with all six goals being scored.
Ollie Watkins’ initial goal was quickly overturned by United forward Anthony Martial, and after an own goal by Diogo Dalot had given the visitors the lead again, Marcus Rashford scored.
Then, in the 78th and 88th minutes, respectively, Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead before Scott McTominay scored a fourth in stoppage time. Both goals were assisted by teenager Alejandro Garnacho, who had just come off the bench.
“Our two halves are never the same,” United manager Erik Ten Hag said. “We controlled the game in the first half by good pressing, we won a lot of possession but then did the wrong things. … At halftime we said keep the pressing but be more direct. I’m proud of the team we could do that.”
With the victory, United got back at Villa, who they had lost to 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday in manager Unai Emery’s debut. Ten Hag’s chances of winning a title in his first year at United are also increased by the fact that Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal were all eliminated on Wednesday.
In addition, Liverpool, the defending champion, and Manchester City were paired in the following round. Man United will host Burnley while Newcastle will host Bournemouth, another Premier League team.
