EFL CUP: Manchester United end losing streak; face draw against rivals City

The Manchester derby is the standout fixture in the fourth round of the EFL Cup after United were drawn against local rivals City on Wednesday night.

The match will take place at Old Trafford in the week commencing 24 October, which will be sandwiched between two Premier League games against Chelsea (away) and Burnley (home).

Jose Mourinho’s men secured a place in the pot following a comfortable 3-1 win over Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium thanks to goals from Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford. City qualified for the next round with a 2-1 triumph over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Following his side’s 3-1 defeat to Watford, Mourinho made nine changes to his starting line-up. Sergio Romero and Timothy Fosu-Mensah made their first starts under Mourinho while Michael Carrick made his first appearance since the Community Shield win against Leicester City.

Of course, United and City met at the Theatre of Dreams earlier this month and the Blues triumphed 2-1 on that occasion. Fans will also remember the two teams meeting in the 2010 League Cup semi-final, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s team secured a lively 4-3 aggregate win.

Ander Herrera spoke to MUTV following his goal at Northampton and the Spanish midfielder was pleased to learn of the fourth-round draw. “I think it is good for us, we can show again what we want to do,” he said. “I told you two weeks ago that we were very disappointed because we lost in front of our fans against our city opponents. Now we have a chance to play against them and I am sure it will be different.”

Asked if it will be a special atmosphere against City under the Old Trafford floodlights, Herrera continued: “We know it will be like that, we have no doubt. Our fans are always behind us. Even tonight, in midweek against a League One team, they were there for us so we have no doubt.”