Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 4y

Rashford, Pereira both 8/10 as Man United advance to Carabao Cup semis

MANCHESTER -- Manchester United booked their place in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over League Two side Colchester United at Old Trafford.

After a lacklustre first 45 minutes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team scored three goals in 10 minutes early in the second half to put the tie to bed.

Marcus Rashford got the first after a quick break that went from end to end in 12.1 seconds before a Ryan Jackson own goal and a third, from Anthony Martial, sealed the result.

Positives

United are through. Solskjaer knows the value of a trophy and he's taking the Carabao Cup seriously. He's got a semifinal to look forward to in the new year and United are just two games from a Wembley final and, possibly, his first silverware as United boss. Solskjaer has spoken about the boost a trophy can give to a young team and they have given themselves a chance.

Negatives

For 45 minutes, United perfectly showcased their biggest problem. Colchester were compact and organised and kept Solskjaer's team at arm's length with relative ease. United had 80 percent possession in the first half but managed only one shot on target, and even that was a long-range free kick from Rashford that didn't really trouble Dean Gerken.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- The United manager didn't take any chances with his team selection, picking Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Martial and Rashford from the start. David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Dan James were given the night off, but Solskjaer picked a team that was never in any real danger of being beaten by League Two opposition. The Norwegian has still never lost a League Cup tie.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Sergio Romero, 7 -- Started the move that led to United's opener by quickly rolling the ball out for Nemanja Matic to release Rashford down the left.

DF Ashley Young, 7 -- Took a booking in the first half to stop Frank Nouble from breaking, and created a couple of chances with his delivery from the right.

DF Luke Shaw, 7 -- Produced a well-timed recovery tackle when Callum Harriott threatened to race through in the first half.

DF Axel Tuanzebe, 7 -- Never looked troubled in the centre of defence but was forced off with an injury in the second half.

DF Harry Maguire, 7 -- Tried to create an extra option when United were struggling by pushing into midfield. Nearly scored with a header.

MF Nemanja Matic, 7 -- Didn't have much defending to do as United dominated the ball, but created United's first goal with a pinpoint pass into Rashford's path. Ended the night at centre-back.

MF Andreas Pereira , 8 -- Almost sent Mason Greenwood clean through with an arrowed pass from inside his own half and picked out Rashford with a delicate chip over Colchester's defence.

MF Juan Mata, 7 -- Made the third goal with a wonderful clipped pass over the top for Rashford to volley across goal and set up Martial for the third.

FW Marcus Rashford, 8 -- Looked like it might not be his night in the first half, but he put United ahead early in the second before helping set up Martial for the third.

FW Mason Greenwood, 7 -- Congratulated by the whole team after producing a whipped cross from the right that was turned into his own net by Jackson at the back post.

FW Anthony Martial, 7 -- The Frenchman had a quiet night but got his goal with a tap-in at the back post after good work from Mata and Rashford.

Substitutes

MF Jesse Lingard, 7 -- On for Rashford for about 30 minutes in what was an easy runout for him.

DF Brandon Williams, 7 -- Got forward a lot and even produced two shots on target.

MF James Garner, 7 -- Kept the ball well as he continues to get more and more playing time.

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