Manchester United’s EFL Cup third round tie against Northampton was a big chance to restore their fans’ confidence in them after a shock defeat to Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.
Rooney of course in the spotlight. Also keen to see how Carrick goes. Could be critical for #MUFC season.
— RK (@RK_sports) September 21, 2016
And there was joy 17 minutes in at the Sixfields Stadium – midfielder Michael Carrick showed Man U boss Jose Mourinho just what he’s been missing.
We've still not found a replacement for Carrick. That's the sad truth.
— Helin (@MUnitedGirl) September 21, 2016
Carrick on the pitch, we make chances. A proper midfielder.
— AB (@Mou_Utd) September 21, 2016
A centre midfielder already playing balls into the no.10 position & we already look so much for fluid & creative. Carrick ðð»
— Alex (@Alex94_mufc) September 21, 2016
Carrick's first goal since March 2015. Cracking finish. He's been faultless so far. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 21, 2016
A very tasty finish from Carrick should stop the rot for @ManUtd
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 21, 2016
The 35-year-old hasn’t played since his appearance against Leicester City in the Community Shield at the beginning of August, but showed everyone the way with his passing.
Say what u like about Carrick.
He's still far and away the best passer of a ball we have.— TriggeRed. (@jonmikesav8) September 21, 2016
Carrick passing is just ðð¾. Only Northampton but what a baller.
— Ade (@Just_Wale) September 21, 2016
Carrick already made more forward passes in his first 20 mins than any of the other midfielders all season
— Ellis Hughes (@ellishughes19) September 21, 2016
United’s woes looked like they might continue at the end of the first half though – a clumsy tackle by Daley Blind led to a penalty being awarded to the Cobblers. Alex Revell guided the ball into the bottom corner, leaving the score 1-1 at half time.
42' – Penalty to Northampton after Blind brings down Hoskins. #MUFC #EFLCup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2016
But then, United turned it all around in the second half – Ander Herrera had a stunning shot worth celebrating, meaning fans could breathe a sigh of relief as they pulled ahead. Young Marcus Rashford found the back of the net too, with the game finishing 3-1.
And it’s left some people on Twitter thinking Mourinho needs to have a serious think about the upcoming teamsheets when it comes to him, Carrick and Herrera.
Imagine not rating Ander Herrera. Must start when fit. Always had it, just needed the freedom last season.
— Hayley B (@Hayles_101) September 21, 2016
Rashford can do no wrong at the moment. José has to reward him and start him vs Leicester. Ander Herrera also deserves to start.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 21, 2016
If Herrera/Carrick/Pogba don't start as #MUFC's midfield trio on Saturday, I'll storm out of Old Trafford….then calm down and walk back in
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) September 21, 2016
A goal that shows both Herrera and Rashford should probably be starting every week.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) September 21, 2016
Ander Herrera should be playing week in, week out. Finished.
— Serge Adam (@SergeMUFC) September 21, 2016
Carrick and Herrera are in my first 11 for united. They're just so sure on the ball. Would rather Fellaini than Schneiderlin too
— Chad Yeomans (@TheChadYeomans) September 21, 2016
Need a midfield 3 of Pogba, Carrick and Herrera on Saturday. It's clear as day.
— Phil Passey (@phil_pgp) September 21, 2016
Guess we will have to wait and see if Mourinho takes any of Twitter’s advice into consideration…
