On Wednesday night, Manchester United dispatched Burnley to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The Red Devils didn’t bask in the glory of their impressive 2-0 display for long. They returned to training at Carrington on Thursday to prepare for Nottingham Forest on Tuesday (via The Manchester Evening News).
Against Burnley, Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen put United ahead in the first half by tapping into an acrobatic cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
After the break, Marcus Rashford stormed onto the pitch with a positive, direct run from inside his own half. Rashford ended his brave solo run with a superb finish that put the game out of Burnley’s reach.
The festive season will be a feast of soccer matches for the fans but demanding for the players. Erik ten Hag’s preparations for the remainder of United’s season are well underway.
MEN Sport observed this during the last practice session at Carrington:
Kobbie Mainoo is still in Ten Hag’s plans
Although Mainoo was not part of the team that faced Burnley, he remains essential to Ten Hag’s plans. His performance, which included a goal against Cádiz on a mini-tour during Qatar 2022, was proof of his immense talent. Ten Hag put the star to the test on Thursday before United’s next game.
Rhys Bennet moves one step closer to a start
Bennett made the cut for the United team against Burnley, unlike the young Mainoo. The rising star was an obvious choice for a United side that had been threadbare in the centre-back position. The Red Devils lost Harry Maguire to illness forcing Casemiro to beef up the defense.
Ten Hag is looking forward to the return of regular starters Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martínez. However, until the two World Cup finalists return, Bennett could be the solution to bolster United’s back line. The youngster has performed above and beyond in the Under-21s.
Alejandro Garnacho dealing with the Mancunian winter
The young Argentinian needs no introduction, turning in a series of stellar performances for the Red Devils ahead of Qatar 2022. His direct style of play and consistency have paid off with the young starter against Burnley.
Garnacho shows a confident figure, fitting in effortlessly into the senior team. However, the winger still appears to be dealing with the Manchester winter.
Facundo Pellistri continues to pursue an elusive start
Pellistri was an integral part of Uruguay’s World Cup squad, leaving many puzzled as to how he should yet feature in United’s senior squad. Facing a Championship team in the Carabao Cup would have been an ideal time to give the Uruguayan a chance, but he never came off the bench.
Lack of playing time could spell the end of Pellistri’s time at Old Trafford.
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