United had only met League One Rochdale once in the League Cup and United had won that match 2-0. That was in 1986.
Rochdale today find themselves in 17th place in League One with just 10 points, having won just one match in the League. Rochdale seem however to have found life a little easier in the Carabao Cup, getting past Bolton Wanderers and Carlisle United to book their place in the third round for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.
The Dale, who hadn’t played at Old Trafford in 33 years, were eyeing a cup upset hoping to heap yet more misery on the under fire United boss.
Ole made nine changes from the weekend and United gladly welcomed back Paul Pogba. An innovation was Axel Tuanzebe skippering the side.
United makeshift squad can be said to have played well but Solskjaer’s side are still failing to create clear-cut opportunities against organised defenses. On this occasion, they were kept out by some marvelous saves from Rochdale’s goalkeeper.
Man of the Match must go to young Mason Greenwood. His breakthrough goal briefly seemed to have saved Solskjaer from a discreditable draw for the second time in the space of a week. Having found some space down the right edge, he collected the ball from Jesse Lingard before cutting in and drilling a confident, low finish into the net.
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Overall it was another impressive performance from Greenwood up front as he continues to show flashes of what he can bring to Manchester United. While he did miss a few chances, he took his goal with real maturity and it was a superb strike that beat a confident goalkeeper. He also scored a cool penalty in the shootout, not showing any flash of the pressure he may have been under, and he should be pleased with his overall performance.
Article contributed by Echoes Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.
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