Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by Bristol City in the fifth round of the Carabao Cup. United were the fourth Premier League team the Robins have knocked out of the competition this season and from the very start of the match it seemed the Championship high-flyers were well up for the challenge, showing the same belief in the dying seconds of injury time to win the game.
This United team were just not up for anything, which will send warning signs to Jose Mourinho. United players will be using social media telling the ‘fans’ that they will respond from the defeat and things will get better, which to be honest is something we have all heard before. United players need to pull their socks up and knuckle down or this sort of abject failure will become permanent.
I think it is great Bristol City have beaten United, being the fourth Premier League team they have knocked out of the competition and whoever they play in the semi-finals, they will be up for the challenge and will believe they can beat anyone, which is what cup games are all about. Matteo Darmian has to be the worst player on the pitch for United – many will wish him away from the club in January.
Jose Mourinho will have a lot to contend with before Saturday’s clash with Leicester City in the Premier League, both teams have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup this week, both will want to hit back – Leicester especially after already losing to United in the league this season.
Goals: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 58′
Manchester United: Romero; Lindelof, Rojo, Blind (Lukaku 61′); Darmian, McTominay, Pogba, Shaw; Rashford, Martial; Ibrahimovic (Mkhitaryan 69′)
Substitutes Not Used: Pereira; Smalling; Mata, Lingard, Herrera
Bookings: Marcus Rashford 74”, Paul Pogba 89′
Manchester United
20 Sergio Romero
The Argentinian number one did not have the best of matches against Bristol. He did make a few saves but he gave away possession a lot of the time. Could do nothing for either goal. Probably the worst result in a match he has played in since he came to the club.
2 Victor Lindelof
Lindelof has come a long way since his first appearance for the club and he did get involved a lot tonight. He was caught out in both goals and should have done better.
5 Marcos Rojo
Rojo has been poor since returning from injury. Many were excited when he came back but perhaps he is not yet fully fit. He was outpaced in Bryan's opener and never really recovered.
17 Daley Blind
Caught in possession on numerous occasions. Headed a shotoff the line and put in a great last-ditch challenge to deny a goal. Not sure midfield is his place anymore.
36 Matteo Darmian
Made his first start since the Basel defeat. Not sure where his future lies but it is not in Manchester. Started well at the club but his development here has gone backwards. Time to cut losses and get rid of the players who just don't fit in - there are many.
39 Scott McTominay
Had two shots on goal - both blazed over the crossbar. Seemed out of the game at times. His passes were short and simple and this will be a match where he will learn a few things, all part of development.
6 Paul Pogba
It was a frustrating night for the Frenchman who had been missed over the last three matches. Had a good chance but shot wide. Booked late in the second half.
23 Luke Shaw
The England defender is still impressing. Was caught in possession a few times but tracked back to alleviate the damage. Brownhill gave him a game. Still a shoe in for a regular place at left-back.
19 Marcus Rashford
Unlucky not to score, the post got in the way. Got involved in the game, but it did not work. Booked for a rash retaliatory challenge.
11 Anthony Martial
The Frenchman was United's main attacking presence in the game. Put in a great cross for Ibrahimovic and had many tricks up his sleeve. Sadly it did not get United ahead of the game.
10 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Started his first game in eight months. Scored the equaliser from a free-kick. Struggled at times, but that is to be expected after his injury and the fact he had played just over an hour of football since he came back, before tonight anyway.
Substitutes
9 Romelu Lukaku
Replaced Blind 61'. Stung the palms of the Bristol keeper and had a headed effort too. Got United more involved in the game but it did not work out for them.
22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Replaced Ibrahimovic 69'. Missed the last six games. Looked lively. Was supported throughout the game. Needs to be given another chance on Saturday.
