Manchester United shook off third-tier Northampton Town in the second half on Wednesday to win 3-1 and reach the last-16 of the EFL Cup.
Wayne Rooney returned to his customary striker position for United but sent a fine chance wide after seven minutes.
But United were soon ahead after a Northampton back pass led to an indirect free kick for United. Rooney’s shot was blocked but came out for Michael Carrick to lash home.
The visitors nearly had a second when Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s header came off the bar, and Rooney’s follow-up was correctly ruled out for offside.
Northampton grabbed a surprise equaliser before the break when Daley Blind brought down Sam Hoskins in the box, and Alex Revell converted the penalty.
Ander Herrera hit the outside of the post early in the second half, and after Jose Mourinho threw on Marcus Rashford and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Herrera did fine the net in the 68th minute, though Northampton were left calling for a foul in the buildup.
And the gulf between the sides was apparent when Northampton keeper Adam Smith could not handle a long, high-bouncing pass at the top of his box and Marcus Rashford walked the ball into the net.
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