As expected Sir Alex made different changes to the squad and the Red Devils started with a completely different line up. Foster made his return in goal and as predicted Fabio, Michael Owen, Danny Wellbeck and Machedo all started. Other players to start were Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Anderson and Obertan who made his debut for ManUtd.
It were ManUtd who started the game furiously and after only 6 minutes Danny Wellbeck headed in from a corner from Anderson. We dominated the game with a not too impressive performance but we can easily say that the ‘youngsters got the job done’. Both Obertan and Wellbeck had chances after ManUtd took the lead but failed to convert. The last 10 minutes of the first half were controlled by Barnsley who couldn’t convert either, even though Foster had to concede 4 corners in that period.
Danny Wellbeck celebrated Powel style.
ManUtd also started the second half as the better team and it was Michael owen who scored in the 59th minute, only minutes after missing an open chance. Gary Neville, who clearly thought he hadn’t gathered enough of attention at Anfield on Sunday, was send off minutes later for a clear and silly high tackle.
It was great to see that our youngsters are able to control a game, even if against opposition of lower Leagues. It also is a good thing to see that Anderson controlled the midfield and Obertan’s first appearance, combined with a good display of Zoran Tosic who came on with 20 minutes to go were comforting. Other than that… it was a Carling Cup game.
But worse than anything, the game was overshadowed by supporter trouble. During half time ManUtd fans stormed a drinks and food stand, threatening the staff and stealing money. Police is investigating. Only minutes before the end two Barnsley fans stormed the pitch when Foster wanted to take a freekick. Poor and shameful behaviour, luckily on Saturday we return to business with a home game against Blackburn, followed by a Champions League game at home against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.