With the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar ended, stars from the football world are quickly settling back to their usual club obligations. Such a circumstance is a new norm to footballers as this was the first time a World Cup is being played during the winter season as well as the middle period of a football season. Debates have sparked that this busy schedule for club and country will take a toll on players. Injuries are inevitable, with many have already been nursing theirs prior and during the World Cup, and coaches are having headaches over their squad choices.
Last night, Manchester United was back to Old Trafford to play the Round of 16 fixture of the Carabao Cup against Burnley and the Red Devils went past its opponent with ease via a 2-0 victory.
A Familiar Figure Coaching Burnley
Burnley currently ranks first in the EFL Championship and is looking optimistic to be promoted back to the best league in English football, the Premier League. Such an achievement could not be made possible without the brilliance of its young coach, former Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany. The 36-year-old Belgian took on his club rival back in his playing days, but this time acting outside the pitch.
AWB Delivered a Cross for the Ages, Rashford Went Solo
Due to illness, injury worries and resting players who just came back from the World Cup, Manchester United gaffer Erik ten Hag made several changes to his side. The out-of-favour Aaron Wan-Bissaka was chosen to start today, ahead of United’s first-choice right-back Diogo Dalot due to an injury occurred to the latter. Losing his starting spot to his Portuguese counterpart must have been painful, but this does not prevent him from delivering a decent cross from the right to Christian Eriksen to open the score line. Eriksen also shrugged off a bitter performance for club as Denmark went out of the group stage during the World Cup in Qatar.
With momentum gained, the Red Devils continued to push for a second goal in the match and they need not wait long after the restart. England’s Marcus Rashford got hold of the ball from Manchester United’s own half and broke away for a solo goal. He took on the entire Burnley defence by his own and the opposition had no answer to his run and finish. The strike meant he has now scored nine goals in 20 appearances for the Red Devils this season.
The 2-0 score line stayed intact till the final whistle of the game, allowing Manchester United to progress to the next round, and Erik ten Hag is closing on his first trophy managing the Red Side of Manchester.
Kompany Happy with the Team Despite a Loss
During the post-match conference, Vincent Kompany said that he is proud with his team’s performance today despite not emerging the winner for the match. The Clarets manager had praised Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez’s unique defensive ability when facing opposing strikers amidst of claims that the latter is too small for the physical English Premier League earlier.
(Photo Credits: Sky Sports)
