The EFL Cup is known for throwing up some David V Goliath fixtures. This year is no different as only two all Premier League ties are down for decision in the last 16 of the competition. Unfortunately in Barnsley's case, they know all too well the gulf in class between the teams at the top of the football pyramid against the rest.
Coming to Old Trafford off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Stevenage at the weekend, manager Darrell Clarke's side had plenty to worry about with the Red Devils looking for a performance and result to kick-start their season.
It didn't end well for Clarke's charges as a crushing 7-0 defeat left the league one side praying for the final whistle after Marcus Rashford's second goal of the night put Erik Ten Hag's men 5-0 up with over half an hour left to play.
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Barnsley Manager Fuming After Unacceptable Old Trafford Performance
Having picked up 10 points from their opening six matches this season and sitting three points off league leaders Wrexham, Barnsley have made a promising start to the season as they hope to emulate their 6th place finish last term.
47-year-old Clarke left league two side Cheltenham in May to take the reigns of the Oakwell club following the departure of Neill Collins' shortly before the end of the regular season.
Ireland were well represented with no less than four players getting minutes for Barnsley in the hammering. Captain Luca Connell, Corey O'Keeffe, Barry Cotter and Conor McCarthy were all involved.
"We are very disappointed in our performance. We haven't done ourselves justice" 😤
Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke reacts after losing 7-0 to Manchester United 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/xyuKtDjCHh— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 17, 2024
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Clarke was unable to hide his disappointment after the loss:
We're very disappointed in our performance, we haven't done ourselves justice.
A lot of my players had an off day, not an acceptable performance, I know it's a big occasion against a very very good team.
It's a huge wake-up call to me to the players as to what it takes to be a top, top, top player
If I ever hear one of my players watching a Premier League game saying their poor, I'll be giving them a slap because they're miles off it
