A deadball double by Marcus Rashford, on the eve of his 22nd birthday, booked a place in the Carabao Cup’s last eight as Manchester United majestically beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.Rashford’s first-half penalty and stunning long-range free-kick in the second half means he has now scored four times against the Blues this season and five in total – more than any other club he has faced.
Michy Batshuayi restored parity for the hosts between the two goals from our no.10 but ultimately it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men who marched into the quarter-finals after claiming a third away win in just seven days. The Reds will hope to make it four straight victories on the road when travelling to Bournemouth on Saturday in the Premier League.
United looked threatening early on as Jessie Lingard benefited from some lax Chelsea play deep inside their own half. Lingard was bearing down on the box when his run appeared to be disrupted by Mateo Kovacic just outside the penalty area, and as he attempted to stay on his feet, the ball escaped his control with the Blues defence able to clear.
Rashford sent his dipping effort from around 40 metres flying past Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero in the 73rd minute after Michy Batshuayi’s well-taken equaliser.
United, who were at near full-strength, had led at halftime through Rashford’s penalty after speedy Welshman Daniel James had been fouled by Marcos Alonso.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held out reasonably comfortably to claim a third successive away victory having previously not won on the road since March.
It was United’s second win over Chelsea this season, having beaten them 4-0 on the opening day of the Premier League.
Since then Frank Lampard’s youthful Chelsea side have responded superbly and had won their last seven matches in all competitions to move into the Premier League’s top four.
The draw for the quarter-finals is on Thursday in which United will be joined by Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Everton, Colchester United and Oxford.
