Manchester United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup after easily defeating Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, Erik ten Hag’s side picking up an 11th consecutive home win in all competitions.
Despite the expectation that the former Ajax manager would name a weakened team for the visit of the Championship outfit, the Dutchman surprised most by sticking with his tried and trusted figures, with that move more than paying off on what was a comfortable night at the Theatre of Dreams.
After a frustrating first half in which Marcus Rashford was denied his 19th goal of the season due to an offside call on Wout Weghorst, the hosts finally took control in the second half thanks to some Brazilian magic, with Casemiro netting the opener with a lovely dinked effort just after the break, following a stunning assist from teammate Antony.
Just minutes later, the former Real Madrid man added his second of the night with a delightful curling effort that eluded opposition goalkeeper Joe Lumley, before compatriot Fred sealed the result off the bench with a clever, near-post flick.
That latter effort came just moments after one-time Liverpool flop Andy Carroll was sent off for picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, with Amadou Mbengue’s late header providing the only bright spot for Paul Ince’s side.
Although few fans will be overjoyed after dispatching a lower-league opponent, the manner of the performance and the result revealed the club’s new-found confidence, with the aforementioned Casemiro playing a key role in that resurgence.
Following last night’s victory, teammate Harry Magure called him “phenomenal,” and the 30-year-old was once again the real heartbeat of the side from his defensive midfield berth, winning eight ground duels and laying on three key passes to demonstrate his all-around influence.
The £70m man was not the only one who stole the show, with Antony, a fellow summer signing and international colleague, also proving his worth with a lively and encouraging performance from the flanks.
Just days after being a “big plus” in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win away to Nottingham Forest, according to Manchester Evening News Samuel Luckhurst, the 22-year-old provided a real threat of the right, notably providing four key passes from his 78 touches as an example of his creative flair.
That included his assist on Case miro’s opener, with the Sao Paolo native producing an exquisite, defense-splitting pass to send the midfielder through on goal.
The youngster had been criticized by club legend Gary Neville for being “too predictable” following the midweek win at the City Ground, although he appeared far more dynamic up against a rather helpless Baba Rahman, notably producing great skill early on to find Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a deft nutmeg.
While there are undoubtedly frustrations to the winger’s game – as he lost possession on 21 occasions and failed to convert any of his six attempts on the night – that “superb” outing, as described by journalist Emmanuel Ayamga, has showcased that Antony is beginning to benefit from a regular run of games.
The skillful dynamo is far from the finished article – having notably squandered a decent chance late on and been somewhat culpable for Mbengue’s consolation – although Ten Hag will be delighted to see his high-profile addition beginning to repay the rather hefty £86m transfer fee.
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