Marcus Rashford double leads Manchester United past Burton Albion

Marcus Rashford netted a brace as Manchester United breezed past Championship strugglers Burton Albion 4-1 to seal their place in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Jose Mourinho named a strong starting line-up for the clash, despite making nine changes to the side that thrashed Everton on Saturday and the hosts were ahead inside five minutes when Rashford opened the scoring with a deft finish.

The 19-year-old doubled the hosts’ lead with a brilliant effort from outside the penalty area before Jese Lingard added a fortuitous third as United raced into an unassailable lead at the interval.

Goalscorer Rashford turned provider after the restart as he laid on Anthony Martial who slid home United’s fourth and final goal of the evening, before Lloyd Dyer netted an injury-time consolation for the visitors.

United have now scored 11 goals in their last three encounters at Old Trafford and they progress to the last 16 - where they will travel to fellow Premier League side Swansea - with Mourinho hoping to become the first manager to win the League Cup for a fifth time.

United’s free-flowing attack continues to thrive. There appears to be no stopping Mourinho’s side at the moment, as for the fourth time this season the notched up four goals or more to overcome an opponent in style. Rashford, Lingard and Martial were all sensational and the trio continue to grow in confidence while top goal-scorer Romelu Lukaku smiled on as he enjoyed a well deserved rest. Finally Mourinho has taken the shackles off his side and he is reaping the rewards. One must question what Nigel Clough was thinking by electing to make nine changes, however. The Burton boss must have realised his mistake after only five minutes when his second-string were pulled apart for the opener.

Anthony Martial (Manchester United): The Frenchman threatened every time he surged forward as the Burton defence simply couldn’t cope with his speed, skill and movement.

Man United: Romero 5, Darmian 7, Lindelof 6, Smalling 6, Blind 7, Carrick 6, Herrera 7, Lingard 8, Mata 7, Martial 9, Rashford 8. Subs: Pereira 5, Shaw 7, McTominay 6.

Burton Albion: Ripley 8, Allen 5, Turner 5, Lund 6, Dyer 7, Flanagan 7, Naylor 5, Varney 5, Palmer 5, Mason 5, Akpan 5. Subs: Warnock 5, Murphy 5, Akins 5.

5’ - GOAL! United 1-0 Burton. United take the lead with their first shot at goal. Carrick plays the ball to Lingard's feet and his clever lay-off sets up Rashford who coolly slots home his fourth goal of the season.

17’ - GOAL! United 2-0 Burton. A second for United as Rashford doubles his tally with a well-taken individual effort. His movement allows him a pocket of space on the edge of the box and he makes no mistake as he curls the ball into the net, off the bottom of the post.

26’ - BURTON CHANCE! Varney gets the better of Lindelof before releasing Mason whose lobbed effort is palmed behind by Romero.

27’ - CLOSE! The ball breaks kindly inside the box for Mata but he sees his effort smash against the post. United keep the move alive as a cross is played to Martial at the back post but his over-head kick is blocked by Flanagan.

36’ - GOAL! United 3-0 Burton. United score their third in fortuitous circumstances. Martial shows quick feet as he charges forward before feeding Lingard whose shot appears to be heading wide, but it takes an almighty deflection, wrong-footing Ripley and into the back of the net.

39’ - PENALTY SHOUT! Lingard goes down under the challenge of Turner as he races towards goal but the referee had a good view and isn't convinced it is a foul. Probably the right decision.

60’ - GOAL! United 4-0 Burton. Martial grabs the goal his performance deserves as United further extend their advantage. Rashford pounces on Naylor's mistake to clever release the Frenchman who finishes coolly past Ripley.

79’ - CLOSE! Lingard's drops deep and his weighted pass releases Martial but he screws his shot inches wide of the post.

90'+1 GOAL! United 4-1 Burton. United fail to clear after Mason's header smashes the woodwork and Dyer makes no mistake as he fires in a late consolation goal for the visitors.