Why Manchester United’s 7-0 Win Over Barnsley Might Mean More Than Expected

It’s easy to dismiss a Carabao Cup third-round fixture against a League One opponent as little more than a formality. And in many ways, Manchester United’s 7-0 win over Barnsley could be seen as exactly that – a routine victory over a team 41 places below them in the football pyramid. But for a club that has often struggled to find the ruthlessness required to dismantle weaker opposition in recent seasons, this result could hold more significance than it first appears.

United’s Struggles to Win Big Under Ten Hag

Since taking over as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has moulded the team into a more disciplined, structured outfit. However, one criticism that has emerged is United’s apparent inability to produce emphatic victories. Prior to the 7-0 demolition of Barnsley, Ten Hag’s largest win as United boss was by just three goals – a relatively modest margin for a club with such high ambitions.

In contrast, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United frequently produced exhilarating attacking displays. Solskjaer’s side recorded 10 victories by five goals or more during his tenure, including a memorable 9-0 thrashing of Southampton in February 2021. These kinds of dominant performances have been notably absent during Ten Hag’s reign, which has focused more on solidity and defensive discipline.

Yet this 7-0 win over Barnsley marks a potential shift. For the first time since February 2021, United’s attack clicked into gear, delivering the kind of comprehensive performance that has been lacking. It’s a result that may not define the season but could serve as a marker for a more ruthless, confident side moving forward.

Rashford and Garnacho Show Their Class

One of the standout performers on the night was Marcus Rashford. The England international had endured a difficult start to the season, struggling to replicate his red-hot form from the 2022-23 campaign. Yet against Barnsley, Rashford looked like the player who terrorised defences last season, scoring twice and constantly threatening the opposition backline with his speed and agility.

Rashford’s performance against Barnsley was his first brace since the 3-0 victory over Leicester City in February 2023, and while it’s too early to say whether he is back to his best, this match could prove to be a turning point. Rashford is a player who thrives on confidence, and back-to-back games with goals could provide the platform for a return to form.

Alejandro Garnacho was another key figure in United’s win. The 20-year-old Argentine winger showcased both his creativity and finishing ability, providing two assists and scoring twice himself. Garnacho has been used more sparingly by Ten Hag this season, but performances like this one are likely to force the manager to consider him for a regular starting role. His link-up play with Rashford was particularly impressive, and his cross-field pass to set up Rashford’s first goal was a moment of real quality.

Antony Breaks His Duck

Another positive for Manchester United was the performance of Antony, who scored his first goal of the season. After a challenging start to the campaign, the Brazilian forward finally found the back of the net, converting a first-half penalty. It wasn’t a world-class display, but it was a performance that suggested he might be finding his feet again.

Antony has struggled to justify his hefty price tag since arriving from Ajax, but this goal – and his overall involvement in the game – could help restore some much-needed confidence. As Ten Hag noted after the game: “They give each other the opportunity to score a goal like the penalty when Antony needs some confidence.”

A Glimpse of What Could Be

While it’s important not to get carried away with a 7-0 victory over a third-tier side, this match did offer glimpses of what Manchester United can be when everything clicks. This was the first time this season that all of United’s available forwards have scored, giving Ten Hag a welcome selection headache in the coming weeks. With Rasmus Højlund still recovering from injury, the manager now has multiple attacking options at his disposal.

“There will be rotation,” Ten Hag explained. “We have more than 11 players who can be in the line-up of any match in this moment.” After seasons of struggling to find a consistent and reliable attacking line-up, United suddenly have an embarrassment of riches up front.

Building Confidence for Bigger Challenges

Manchester United’s 7-0 win over Barnsley might not have been a fixture that will define their season, but it’s a win that could build the confidence necessary for future challenges. The team has lacked consistency in recent weeks, suffering heavy defeats while struggling to put together convincing attacking performances. However, this result shows that United still have the potential to be ruthless when it matters.

For Ten Hag, this game was an opportunity to remind his squad of what they are capable of when they play with freedom and attacking intent. It was also a chance for players like Rashford, Garnacho, and Antony to rediscover their form ahead of more significant fixtures. Whether this win signals a turning point or simply a morale-boosting result remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Manchester United needed a victory like this to restore some belief.

Barnsley may not have been the toughest opponent United will face this season, but the manner of the win – dominant, composed, and clinical – is something that could provide the platform for more consistent performances in the weeks to come. It was a reminder that, even in a season of transition, Manchester United still have the capability to produce the kind of thrilling football that fans expect.