Manchester United were eliminated from the third round of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Championship side Derby County on penalties, after a 2-2 draw.
Manchester United were off to a blistering start to the game, with Juan Mata opening the scoring just three minutes after kick off. Jose Mourinho’s men continued to cause problems to the Rams with Anthony Martial, in particular, posing a huge threat. However, they failed to add to their lead before half-time.
Frank Lampard’s side came out with more purpose and intent in the second half and that paid off, as on-loan Liverpool attacker Harry Wilson equalized with a wonderful free-kick close to the hour mark, soon after which United were reduced to ten men with Sergio Romero getting sent off for handling the ball outside the box.
Substitute Jack Marriott then seemed to have sealed up the game for the visitors, scoring his first goal of the season five minutes from full-time. However, there was late drama in the contest as Marouane Fellaini bundled home deep into stoppage time to pull Manchester United back on level terms and force the tie into penalties.
As many as fifteen penalties were dispatched faultlessly between the two sides, before Phil Jones fired his effort right into the arms of Scott Carson to send Manchester United crashing out.
Here’s how the Red Devils’ superstars fared on the night against Derby at Old Trafford.
Sergio Romero: 4/10
Made a fine save to thwart Mason Bennett soon after Manchester United took the lead and was on hand to deny Wilson an equaliser early in the second half. Couldn’t do a lot about the youngster’s fantastic goal though. Let his team down in a big way, getting sent off for handling the ball outside the box.
Diogo Dalot: 7/10
Making his home debut for Manchester United, the summer signing made a strong impression once again. Was solid all night and provided an outlet down the right-hand side. Quick, aggressive, the 19-year-old played in a beautiful cross for Fellaini’s equalizer late in the game. A bright start to his United career.
Eric Bailly: 5/10
Returning to the starting XI for the first time since the league defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, the Ivory Coast international did not inspire confidence. Looked nervy on occasion and seemed to lose focus every now and then. Way off his best.
Phil Jones: 4/10
The England international, making a comeback from injury, endured a night to forget. Seemed at bay against the pace of the visitors’ attacks and his positioning was off on a number of occasions. The lesser said about his missed penalty the better.
Ashley Young: 6/10
Manchester United’s captain on the night started on a very strong note, getting forward at will from the left-back slot and delivering some dangerous balls into the box, one of which would go on to hit the woodwork. Faded with time though, but still was solid enough at the back. Dispatched his penalty with aplomb.
Ander Herrera: 5.5/10
Returning for the first time since the win against Burnley, the Spaniard went about his business with the typical hustle and bustle, but didn’t really make a major impact on the game. Worked hard but could not influence the proceedings in the attacking half.
Nemanja Matic: 5.5/10
Fairly stable in his defensive duties, although there were a few stutters here and there. His use of possession left a lot to be desired though, as he held on to the ball too long too often or misplaced his passes. Hasn’t been at his usual level after the surgery in the summer.
Juan Mata: 6.5/10
Opened the scoring for Manchester United capping off a fine team move just three minutes into the game. It was his first goal for the club in 276 days. Continued to look sharp in the final third, drawing a save from Carson soon after and generally posing problems to the visitors. Influence waned after the break though and was sacrificed for Lee Grant following Romero’s red card.
Jesse Lingard: 5/10
Set Mata up for the opening goal, but that was as good as it got for the academy graduate. Lingard worked hard, buzzing around on the pitch with energy, but did little to influence the outcome of the game. Taken off soon after Derby had equalised in the second period.
Anthony Martial: 7/10
The Frenchman was easily Manchester United’s best player on the park on Tuesday night. Martial was involved in the build-up to the opening goal and continued to ask all sorts of questions from the Derby defence with his dribbling and directness.
Created a number of opportunities for his teammates, but will be disappointed to have wasted a couple of half-decent chances in the second half. Nonetheless, should be in the starting XI for the next game based on that display.
Romelu Lukaku: 5/10
The Belgian should have opened the scoring but headed Martial’s cross straight at Carson. Lukaku then missed a couple of great opportunities in the first-half with the score still at 1-0. Saw a fierce left-footed strike bounce off the woodwork in the second period. Did play a role in Mata’s goal, but a striker of his calibre should be converting the chances that came his way on the night.
Substitutes
Fred: 5.5/10
Came on for Lingard in the 63rd minute as United looked to regain control in the middle of the park. Did little to change the course of the game. Good penalty.
Marouane Fellaini: 7/10
Thrown in for Herrera after Derby’s equaliser and proved his worth to the team again. Created an opportunity for Martial before dispatching a header to drag Manchester United into the penalties.
Lee Grant: 6/10
Came on to face his former club in the 70th minute after Romero’s dismissal. Made a fantastic stop to deny Florian Jozefzoon, but couldn’t save any of the Rams’ penalties.
