Jose Mourinho was pleased to see some positive signs from his players as Manchester United ended a three-match losing streak and set up a mouth-watering EFL Cup clash with rivals Manchester City.
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It meant Wednesday’s previously nondescript third-round trip to League One side Northampton took on increased importance, but United ensured there would be no humiliating early exit.
Marcus Rashford scored one and made one as Northampton’s blunder keeper Adam Smith lessened Manchester United ‘s crisis.
United were made to work hard for their place in the next round overcoming a spirited Northampton 3-1, with Herrera grabbing himself a goal along with an assist for Marcus Rashford’s sealing goal.
“I don’t like to individualise too much”, Mourinho said when asked about Carrick. “The game could and should have been easier”. United emerged from the break strongly but were struggling to threaten Smith, leading Mourinho to bring on Rashford and Ibrahimovic within 10 minutes of the restart.
The loss against Manchester City was not detrimental as United looked like a good team, however, the recent performances against Feyenoord and Watford have rightly given fans cause for concern.
City topped Swansea 2-1, thanks to goals from Gael Clichy and Aleix Garcia.
Antonio Conte’s men enjoyed a spectacular 4-2 win at Leicester City in the third round, while in contrast, the Hammers limped past League Two Accrington Stanley courtesy of a stoppage-time free-kick from Dimitri Payet.
Mourinho started Wayne Rooney as the lone striker against Northampton – the first time he’d played that role since May – but he failed to get on the scoresheet.
“The doctors are speaking with him and seeing what’s up”, Guardiola said. “Hopefully, it will not be a big problem”. West Ham has lost four of its five matches in the Premier League, including the last two with 4-2 scorelines.
Vincent Janssen opened his Tottenham account by scoring in the 5-0 win over Gillingham.
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Liverpool’s victory at Stamford Bridge took them up to sixth and they will be fancied for a third successive league victory at home to Hull City.
