Erik ten Hag explains why he's 'not celebrating' after seeing Man Utd hit seven past Barnsley in emphatic Carabao Cup win

United registered a resounding 7-0 win in the Carabao Cup in what was Ten Hag's biggest victory since taking over at Old Trafford. The victory tasted even sweeter for the Red Devils faithful as they are showing signs of recovery with two consecutive victories after a 3-0 loss to Liverpool before the international break, which was a tough pill to swallow.

The match saw several standout performances, including two-goal hauls from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Christian Eriksen. Antony also got on the scoresheet after Rashford was generous enough to hand the spot-kick to the Brazilian, who has been struggling for form since making a big-money move from Ajax to Manchester.

Despite the brilliant performance, Ten Hag remained grounded and said: "I think we could do everything what we planned to do. I think how we win, next round, scored some great goals, entertained the fans, we worked on our game model, so we are happy. I was not devastated after Liverpool (3-0 defeat). I am not now celebrating. We are in a journey and we will see where we are in May because then we have to be good, and then you have to be at your best and, in the meantime, every time progress the team.”

One of the biggest positives for United in recent matches has been the return to form of Rashford. The 26-year-old forward had a career-best season during Ten Hag’s first year at the club, scoring 30 goals. However, his form dipped last term and he was subsequently left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024. However, he is getting back his mojo in front of goal as he broke his scoring drought in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton and followed it up with two more against Barnsley.

“Confidence is a big part of it. It’s not everything, there are also other parts, but confidence is a big part," Ten Hag said. “And I think Rashford is a big guy. He’s scored so many goals, he’s one in the list of (current) United goalscorers, he is on top of it, so he is a big guy. But you are as good as your last game and every time you have to prove it. But I have even seen the biggest guys, the biggest football players, when they are not performing and when strikers are not scoring, then they drop in confidence. It doesn’t matter who.”

While the victory against Barnsley was a confidence booster, Ten Hag knows there is little time for rest. United will find out their fourth-round Carabao Cup opponents on Wednesday, September 25. And over the weekend they face a tough Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.