Manchester United eventually overcame Colchester 3-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday to secure their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The hosts were hugely disappointing in the first half, but stepped it up to score three times in the second period.
But before we get to that, let’s rewind to the start.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to field a fairly strong lineup for the clash, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial all starting the game.
As expected really, the Red Devils made a bright start to the game, with the away side struggling to really get out of their own half. It was quick, crisp passing, but it was still goalless.
As the first half wore on, United fans began to grow frustrated with their side’s inability to take their chances against their League Two opponents.
There was a lack of cutting edge…
Sad state of affairs when we can’t finish against Colchester. Doesn’t matter if they’re defending. A good first touch or header and we’d be winning already. #MUNCOL #MUFC
— Willis (@one_willis) December 18, 2019
I’m not Ole out at all but how is it we can’t break down teams that sit back? Especially a league 2 side! We’ve got near enough a full strength squad out.. shambles #mufc
— Sam (@SamNinetyEight) December 18, 2019
By half time, Solskjaer’s men had managed 13 shots…but just the one on target. They had also seen 81% of the ball…but failed to do anything with it.
It was slow and Colchester were comfortable. Just a reminder: Colchester are in League Two. As a result, United fans were far from pleased with what they had seen up to that point.
#MUFC couldn’t even score a first half goal against Colchester. At home. Colchester are 9th in the league. League 2.
— Joel Ramey (@FlixandTrix) December 18, 2019
#MUFC don’t know what to do with all that possession just kick the ball around and hopefully a goal will come our way… We need a creative midfielder two of them actually
— Technocrat (@RandyBonks) December 18, 2019
Colchester had the first real chance of the second half, with Sergio Romero called into action. But less than one minute later, they found themselves behind following a quick counter attack.
That’s right, Manchester United had done it! They found a way through!
Marcus Rashford, who had been poor up to that point, cut inside and waited for the right moment before firing into the roof of the net. 1-0…
Rashford! Of course the only way we score is via a counter-attack… #MUFC
— Ryan Skinner (@r96sk) December 18, 2019
The one time we get to counter But I beg don’t ask us to break down low blocks ffs. We are horrible. Even if it’s a League 2 side #MUFC
— Yogeshan Pillay (@Yugi_P06) December 18, 2019
Oh yesss Rashford!! Fine fine finish after missing some dollies in the first half! #MUFC
— Avi (@za_mufc14) December 18, 2019
Were the floodgates opening?
Well, the hosts doubled their lead five minutes later. Mason Greenwood whipped in a wonderful cross, which Ryan Jackson could only turn into his own net.
2-0…
Where is this coming from?
A third? That’s correct. Anthony Martial tapped home Rashford’s cross to make it three goals in ten second half minutes…
Mata —> Rashford —> Martial. It was all pretty. #MUFC
— Mad Cowboys Disease (@treydwarren) December 18, 2019
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL! They’re flying in now! #MUFC 3-0 #Colchester (Martial!) Brilliant team play all around, Rashford’s brilliant cross puts it on a plate for Martial. Game, set, match. #GGMU #CarabaoCup
— Nsm.United (@NsmUnited) December 18, 2019
The Red Devils were unable to add to their advantage, but the game finished 3-0 and it was job done as far as Solskjaer was concerned.
But, they certainly did make it much harder than it needed to be. Nonetheless, they have booked their place in the last four of the competition…
So good to be in the semis I never underestimate a cup final or win we’ve gotta try and go as far as we can in this. #mufc
— Dan Brown (@DanJBrownMUFC) December 18, 2019