Man Utd 3 – 0 Charlton

Marcus Rashford scored twice as a much-changed Manchester United made it eight wins in a row in all competitions by beating Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

United manager Erik ten Hag made eight changes after Friday’s FA Cup win over Everton and handed 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo his debut, but it did not disrupt his side’s momentum as second-half substitute Rashford continued his fine form with a late double. (90, 94).

The England international has now scored 15 goals this season, while his impressive cameo saw him find the net for a sixth consecutive game and eighth appearance at Old Trafford. Antony’s brilliant left-footed strike from long range earlier put United ahead (21).

League One Charlton, who beat Brighton in the previous round, threatened to equalize in the second half before Rashford’s goal but lacked quality in the final third as the hosts secured their ninth consecutive win at Old Trafford.

The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place after Southampton’s last eight clash with Manchester City at St Mary’s on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.

How Man Utd reached the last four

United only ensured they progressed to the last four as the match approached stoppage time, but they could have been more confident if they had taken one of the early chances created by the prodigious talent of Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine created an opening for Diogo Dalot after cutting in from the byline but the defender, who was forced off in the first half through injury, fired over from a good position.

Garnacho then twice tried to go on his own, first cutting and fizzing shot just wide before jinking ran into the penalty area finished with dragging the effort from the target.

But from the right United created a 21st-minute opener. They worked the ball upfield and Fred found Antony, who made space on his favored left foot before sending a curling effort past Ashley Maynard-Brewer and into the top corner.

The hosts had doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break when the impressive Fred saw a 30-yard free-kick hit the post, with Maynard-Brewer in attendance.

Charlton, mobbed by 9,000 supporters and their traveling manager Dean Holden – a die-hard United fan – had fought hard and enjoyed their best moment of the match at the interval when Albie Morgan headed home a free-kick before Tom Heaton had to concede. Sean Clare’s low cross with Corey Blackett-Taylor waiting to pounce.

The visitors also started the second half strongly and a golden opportunity came 76 seconds after the restart when Scott Fraser latched on to a Miles Leaburn flick but fired wide with his left foot.

Anthony Elanga had a goal ruled out for clear offside, but it was Charlton who continued to press and, just as influential, the Ten Hag introduced Rashford, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen on the hour mark.

The experienced trio helped United take control of the match and created several chances to kill off the game as Garnacho brought home a save from Maynard-Brewer, who also got down to keep out Eriksen’s effort.

United finally got a second goal that made the game safe in the 90th minute when debutant Facundo Pellistri teed up Rashford before the in-form forward scored again after being played in by Casemiro.

The win saw United reach their third Carabao Cup semi-final in six seasons since winning the competition in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.

Ten Hag: Man Utd progress but need to be more clinical

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag: “The first half hour I was very happy. I was less happy because we were not clinical in front of the goal. We need to be more effective there because we created good chances in the first half hour.

“We should have scored more in the first half and also in the second half there were some good saves and some moments when we needed an extra pass, but not until the end, we had to fight.

“I don’t think they created very good open chances, but you never know. We progressed after the winter break, it’s the third time we’ve won 3-0 which is good but we need to be more clinical.”

On Marcus Rashford, Ten Hag said: “I have said many times, when he takes a position, when the team puts him in a position, in one on one in the box he will score and that is what he is doing this time.

“So if he stays focused and keeps working, he will keep scoring.

“What you see now with Rashy, it’s quite clear. Not at the beginning of the season but now he’s at the right time.”

Holden: The scoreline is harsh

Charlton manager Dean Holden: “I am proud of our performance and the way we presented ourselves as a football club on the pitch.

“We rode our luck in the first 20 minutes, but what team doesn’t have to do that in the Premier League? We grew into the game.

“We had a big chance early in the second half and I thought we had a grip on the game, I turned to the left and Erik brought three, Rashford, Casemiro and Eriksen.

“I thought it was a harsh scoreline, but I’m proud of the performance.

“Erik called me to his office after the game and he told me about the quality of the youngster, which makes me proud.”

Analysis: Ten Hag proved Pep right in rebuilding

Sky Sports’ Dan Sansom at Old Trafford:

February 26, 2023.

It’s a date Manchester United supporters will be marking in their diaries as the team’s renaissance under Erik ten Hag continues to grow. It may be premature, especially with Manchester City still in the competition, but it will take a brave man to fight United to win the Carabao Cup next month.

They only managed to beat Charlton, a team that sits 12th in English football’s third tier, but it is now eight consecutive wins in all competitions for the Ten Hag side. That’s nine wins in a row at Old Trafford. Incidentally, United have dragged themselves into the Premier League title race in recent weeks and have stayed alive in three cup competitions.

Ten Hag won six trophies with Ajax, including three Eredivisie titles. But guiding United to the Carabao Cup in his debut campaign would be one of his greatest achievements and should not be underestimated. It could be a catalyst for more important silver. After all, this is Pep Guardiola’s ultimate accolade as Manchester City manager. He has won eight more since.

Success at Wembley will also strengthen the Ten Hag’s hand and serve as a reminder of the progress they have made since taking over from United last summer. His win rate is an impressive 74 per cent after 27 matches – better than Guardiola’s after the same number of games with City – and despite the Ten Hag losing two games in August. He has made some big calls during his short reign. So far, he has been vindicated.

There is still a long way to go in this unprecedented season, but according to the meticulous and no-nonsense Dutchman, United finally look set to end their six-year trophy drought.

“United are back,” Guardiola said in October. Having won 15 of their 18 games since the 6-3 defeat at the Etihad, the Ten Hag proved their old friends right.

Saturday’s Premier League clash between the two Manchester clubs is now getting tougher to call.

Analysis: Teenager Mainoo has his own debut

Sky Sports’ Dan Sansom at Old Trafford:

It was a big night for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 17, who made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The Stockport-born teenager became the eighth United player to make his Ten Hag debut and the second academy prospect to be promoted to senior football by the Dutch after striker Charlie McNeill.

Mainoo, who was part of last season’s FA Youth Cup winning side, scored in a friendly against Cadiz during the World Cup break and has represented England at U17 and U18 level.

The youngster featured against Charlton alongside Scott McTominay and Fred before being substituted in the 60th minute. He was unafraid to receive the ball under pressure and deservedly received a standing ovation from the United supporters as he left the pitch.

Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford could be bright.

Carabao Cup quarter finals

Manchester United 3-0 Charlton

Newcastle 2-0 Leicester

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves – Wednesday, kick-off 19.45

Southampton vs Manchester City – Wednesday, kick-off 8pm – live on Sky Sports

What’s next?

Manchester United return to Premier League action at 12.30pm on Saturday when they take on their rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

side of Erik ten Hag then traveled to Crystal Palace at 8pm there before the mouth-watering fight with Arsenal at 16.30 on January 22, live in Sky Sports.

Next to Charlton it’s a home match against Barnsley in League one at 3pm on Friday before the trip to Peterborough at the same time on January 21.