Casemiro scored one goal and set up another as Carabao Cup holders Manchester United eased into the fourth round with a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag named a much-changed team from Saturday’s Premier League win over Burnley but United dominated throughout, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the first in the 21st minute before Casemiro headed in a corner from the returning Mason Mount six minutes later.
Casemiro then turned provider for the third 10 minutes after half-time when Anthony Martial classily dispatched his superb cross as the hosts raised spirits at Old Trafford following their difficult start to the campaign.
Crystal Palace, who also made extensive changes, only began to threaten following the second-half introduction of Eberechi Eze but by then it was too late, the result ensuring back-to-back wins for United as they aim to get their season back on track.
United’s superiority was clear from the start with full debutant Sofyan Amrabat, starting as a makeshift left-back, tucking inside to ensure Palace were outnumbered and outclassed in midfield.
The opener arrived when Mount sprayed a pass out to Facundo Pellistri, whose lay-off allowed Diogo Dalot to pull the ball back for Garnacho to fire a low finish past Palace debutant Rob Holding on the line.
Palace had already lost another debutant by that point, Dean Henderson forced off for Sam Johnstone after picking up an injury against his former club, and their evening got worse when Casemiro easily shook off Jeffrey Schlupp to power a header into the far corner from Mount’s outswinging delivery.
Mount, who had not featured since August due to a thigh injury, was withdrawn at half-time after an encouraging return to action but United continued to enjoy complete dominance after the break.
They rammed home their advantage when Amrabat’s attempted cross was cut out and the ball fell to Casemiro, who picked out Martial for an excellent, first-time finish from an acute angle.
Palace did not muster their first shot on goal until the 67th minute, when Nathaniel Clyne fired a wild effort over from distance, but they went closer through Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who were both denied by the alert Andre Onana.
Up at the other end, the hosts threatened to further extend their lead, with substitute Jonny Evans forcing a reflex save from Johnstone from a corner and Victor Lindelof and Garnacho also forcing the Palace goalkeeper into action late on.
Casemiro’s goal took him to 11 for Manchester United since the start of last season. It’s a hugely impressive tally for a holding midfielder and it was not all he gave them against Palace.
The Brazil midfielder set up the third with a superb cross for Martial and his distribution, over short and long distances, was outstanding throughout. His total of 113 passes included numerous pinpoint switches of play to stretch United’s hapless opponents.
He acted as their destroyer too, breaking up play in the centre of the pitch and making the second-most tackles and interceptions combined of any United player.
“To a man they were impressive, but Casemiro was the driving force,” said Sky Sports’ Andy Hinchcliffe. “Energy on and off the ball, a goal, an assist. He was outstanding.”
SkySports
