The England forward came off the bench to score twice and keep his fine form going as Charlton Athletic were eventually swatted aside
Manchester United marched into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup thanks to a late double from striker Marcus Rashford and some South American sauce from Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
Antony got the hosts off to the perfect start with a gorgeous goal, curling his left-footed shot across goal and into the top corner midway through the first half at Old Trafford
A lively start from the Red Devils had seen Argentine teenager Garnacho torment the League One side before Antony broke the deadlock in some style.
There was more South American influence from Fred, who dominated in midfield, and Uruguayan youngster Facundo Pellistri, who came off the bench to make his debut and grabbed an assist.
Pellistri showed some lovely footwork to tee up Rashford to make the game safe in the 90th minute, before the England international scored again in stoppage time.
That’s now 15 for the season for Rashford, who has also scored in each of his last six appearances for United since the World Cup, meaning he heads into Saturday’s derby with Manchester City in top form.
GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from another victory for Erik ten Hag’s in-form side…
Getty ImagesThe WinnersAntony
Antony scored his fifth goal for United to give them the lead on Tuesday and probably won’t score too many better ones this season. The Brazil winger curled an exquisite left-footed shot across goal and past the despairing dive of goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer after just 21 minutes. The strike means that only Rashford has scored more than the summer signing for Erik ten Hag’s side this term, and after also netting in the FA Cup last time out, this was another key contribution from the 22-year-old.
Marcus Rashford
United were struggling to kill off Charlton until Rashford popped up with two late goals to continue his prolific run and take his tally for the season to 15. The England international had been fairly quiet after coming on until he latched onto Pellistri’s pass and coolly converted. Minutes later and he was at it again, this time taking a pass from Casemiro and netting. The simple fact is that he just can’t stop scoring at the moment.
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho put in a lively performance against Charlton that will enhance his rapidly-growing reputation at Old Trafford. The Addicks couldn’t get near the teenager in the opening stages as he had two shots on goal and caused panic in the visitors’ box with his direct running and ability on the ball. He was also involved in some key moments in the second half, as he almost made it 2-0 with a shot that the goalkeeper did well to save and then teed up Christian Eriksen for a chance that was blocked.
Getty ImagesThe LosersDiogo Dalot
Dalot started again at right-back but didn’t even make it until half-time after sustaining an injury that forced him off at Old Trafford and saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka take his place. His departure was a blow for the home side, particularly ahead of their derby clash with Manchester City up next on Saturday. Dalot had been immaculate during his time on the pitch, even making space for Antony to score, and Ten Hag will be hoping it’s not a serious injury that will force the defender onto the sidelines for a protracted spell.
Anthony Elanga
Ten Hag’s decision to rotate allowed Elanga a rare start, but the youngster failed to make it count in an ineffective showing. He did manage to find the back of the net early in the second half, but he had strayed offside and was rightly flagged. It’s tough to know how many more chance Elanga might get this season. Rashford is scoring goals for fun, Jadon Sancho is on the comeback trail and Wout Weghorst seems to be closing in on a January move to Old Trafford. A loan move away in the next couple of weeks would likely suit all parties.
Crystal Palace
Patrick Vieira’s side have been linked with a move for Wan-Bissaka, but may now struggle to land the right-back in January after Dalot’s first-half injury saw the ex-Palace star summoned from the bench in the first half, and he may well be needed for some time. Wan-Bissaka has also come in for praise from manager Ten Hag of late, and will be hoping he can keep his place in the team going forward.
Getty ImagesMan Utd Ratings: DefenceTom Heaton (7/10):
Got the nod in goal and had a comfortable evening. Looked commanding on the few occasions he was called into action.
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Skied an early chance on goal but was having a strong game until he was forced off early with an injury.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Was decent in possession but was caught out several times when Charlton looked to break quickly.
Lisandro Martínez (7/10):
Made his first start since the World Cup and picked up where he left off in Qatar.
Tyrell Malacia (6/10):
Was guilty of some awful corners but otherwise did OK.
Getty ImagesMidfieldScott McTominay (5/10):
Not a great showing from the Scot who struggled under pressure and lost too many balls against lower-league opposition.
Fred (8/10):
A very strong performance from the Brazilian in midfield and was unlucky not to score. Saw a fierce shot blocked and then rattled the woodwork with a fine free-kick. It was a surprise to see him taken off and McTominay stay on.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Made his full debut and looked a little nervy but did OK. Replaced by Casemiro on the hour.
Getty ImagesAttackAntony (7/10):
Opened the scoring with a brilliant goal that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Anthony Elanga (4/10):
Offered very little. Quiet first half, and though he did put the ball in the back of the net after half-time, he saw his effort ruled out for offside.
Alejandro Garnacho (8/10):
United’s liveliest attacker, he caused Charlton all sorts of problems with his speed and willingness to run at defenders.
Getty ImagesSubs & ManagerAaron Wan-Bissaka (7/10):
Replaced the injured Dalot in the first half and enjoyed a solid game.
Casemiro (7/10):
Was brought on to firm things up on the hour. Teed up Rashford for the third goal.
Christian Eriksen (7/10):
Came on for the final half an hour and made a difference. Combined well with Garnacho and was unlucky not to score.
Marcus Rashford (8/10):
Given the last half an hour and scored twice to make the game safe.
Facundo Pellistri (7/10):
Only given the last few minutes but still made an impact on his debut. Lovely assist for Rashford.
Erik ten Hag (8/10):
Another game and another win for the United manager, who took another step towards picking up his first silverware as Red Devils boss. Rotated his side once again in a bid to keep his players fresh and also handed a full debut to 17-year-old starlet Mainoo. Saw his substitutes make an impact too, with Rashford scoring twice and Pellistri and Casemiro grabbing assists.
