Manchester United returned to competitive football with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
Erik ten Hag's side hadn't played since 13 November amid the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament break but got back into the swing of things with relative ease.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 27th minute when Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressively worked the ball into Burnley's box. Christian Eriksen swept in to finish from close-range to put the Red Devils ahead.
There was a nervy moment for stand-in United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the 36th minute. The on-loan Slovakian shot-stopper came early off his line to claim a delivery but completely mistimed it. Casemiro prevented the ball from crossing the line after coming off Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United went in a goal ahead at half-time and boasted more of the play over Vincent Kompany's Clarets with 54% of the possession.
The Red Devils put together a lovely sweeping move in the 50th minute when Fernandes sent a brilliant ball over the top to Rashford.
The English attacker played in Scott McTominay, but he sent the ball trickling over Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell's goal.
Rashford was on the scoresheet in the 57th minute through a superb individual goal.
He carried the ball from his half and beat several Burnley players on his way to Burnley's box before firing past Peacock-Farrell to extend Manchester United's lead. The Red Devils could have been out of sight in the 76th minute when Fernandes was close to notching a goal of his own.
Second-half substitute Antony broke forward but couldn't find the right pass for Fernandes, with the ball falling behind the Portuguese. Casemiro made a surprising error in the 82nd minute that allowed Ashley Barnes to dispossess him in United's box and have an effort on goal.
However, the veteran striker was wasteful and couldn't place his shot attempt on goal.
It needn't matter as Manchester United secured a deserved 2-0 victory over the Clarets and head into the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup.
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