It’s safe to say that Alejandro Garnacho has regained Erik ten Hag’s favor.

After being left out of the starting line-up for the first three matches, he was brought back for the loss to Liverpool but was then benched again. His ‘like’ on an Instagram post referencing Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of Ten Hag likely didn’t help his case, resulting in him missing the trip to Southampton.

However, he made a strong return on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old Argentinian showcased why he’s on track for greatness at the club, contributing two goals and two assists in a dominant 7-0 victory that lit up Old Trafford. He wasn’t the only player eager to make a statement.

Antony, who had played just one minute in the first four league games, was also active, scoring from the penalty spot. Marcus Rashford added a double to his tally, reinforcing his place in the team after recent scrutiny.

Antony, the club’s second-most expensive player at £86 million, was the focus ahead of the match. Ten Hag was clear that the Brazilian needed to earn his spot.

This Carabao Cup third-round tie against League One Barnsley presented that opportunity.

United led 1-0 through Rashford when Antony made a powerful run into the box. The Barnsley goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina, brought him down just outside the area, resulting in a penalty.

Referee Gavin Ward showed no hesitation, and Antony quickly grabbed the ball. Casemiro approached him, seemingly offering encouragement rather than reprimanding him for possibly stepping on Rashford’s toes.

Antony confidently took the penalty, executing a perfect shot into the bottom corner and celebrating with the fans.

United took the lead in the 16th minute, thanks to a brilliant cross-field pass from Garnacho that set up Rashford for a well-placed shot past the goalkeeper.

Garnacho added a third just before half-time, showing his poaching instincts when he turned in a loose ball after Rashford’s effort.

He scored again shortly after the break, finishing a well-timed run with a curling shot into the corner, prompting chants of “Viva Garnacho” around Old Trafford.

The rout continued when Rashford netted his second goal in the 57th minute, assisted again by Garnacho.

Christian Eriksen capped off the scoring with two late goals, the first set up by Casemiro and the second from a flowing team move.

United’s impressive performance featured eight changes from their previous match, including a first start for new signing Manuel Ugarte.

Barnsley’s manager, Darrell Clarke, a United fan, had urged his team to put in a good performance, and while they managed to draw several fouls from United early on, they failed to test the Red Devils’ goalkeeper.

Ultimately, United’s quality shone through, with Garnacho’s brilliance particularly evident. When he was substituted with six minutes to go, the entire Old Trafford crowd stood in appreciation.