Manchester United Crash Out of League Cup, Lose to Derby County on Penalties

Manchester United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Derby County at Old Trafford on Tuesday, as the EFL Championship side prevailed 8-7 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the third round.

Paul Pogba was omitted from the Red Devils squad as he watched from the stands, and United once again failed to finish an opponent off after leading.

Juan Mata opened the scoring for the hosts after only three minutes, as a sweeping move from back to front had the Stretford End on its feet.

Derby continued to plug away despite United's superiority in possession, and the Rams were rewarded shortly before the hour mark with a stunning equaliser.

Harry Wilson's blockbuster free-kick was from the highest echelon, and the ball dipped and swerved as it flew past United goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Romero's night was to further decline minutes later as he handled outside of his penalty area, forcing the referee to brandish a red card after 67 minutes.

Jack Marriott's goal appeared to have won the match for Derby with just five minutes remaining, but Marouane Fellaini's header saved United's blushes in the fifth minute of injury time, forcing penalty kicks.

The sides went through a number of perfectly taken spot kicks, and it was Phil Jones who missed his effort to give Derby the 8-7 victory.

United Must Sack Jose Mourinho to Save Season

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As Jones ran up to the penalty spot, he was probably the last player Jose Mourinhowanted to save his side in this season's League Cup.

The victory was totally deserved by Frank Lampard's team, as the former Chelsea midfielder schooled his former Blues coach.

Mourinho's United do not know how to kill teams off, and after a magnificent start, the Red Devils once again proved they are their own worst enemies.

United were not entirely poor, and their stellar lineup was more than good enough to put a big numerical advantage on the scoreboard.

However, once again United allowed an inferior opponent to sneak back into a match, ultimately embarrassing them in front of their home fans.

Mourinho's tactics are crippling his team, and no one can say Derby were unworthy winners after a high-quality penalty shootout.

Sports journalist Oma Akatugba laid the blame firmly at The Special One's door:

Fellaini has been trusted by Mourinho, and the Belgium international was brave as he threw his head at the ball in the final seconds of normal time.

His goal gave United a lifeline, but if the Belgian is now considered one of the team's primary performers, it points the finger at the coach's wider man-management.

United have little hope of making an impact in the Premier League, and a run in the UEFAChampions League appears unlikely.

The League Cup was a good opportunity for the Red Devils this term, but once again, Mourinho has failed in a situation you expect him to succeed.

It's time for change at Old Trafford, and United need to find a fresh approach and a set of attacking tactics that suits their historical philosophy.

Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot Deserve Playing Time Over Struggling Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Valencia

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Despite the poor result, it was a good night for two United players who staked a claim for starting berths at the Theatre of Dreams.

Anthony Martial was given the start on the left ahead of Alexis Sanchez, and Diogo Dalot shined at right-back as the teenager displayed a confidence above his tender years.

Sanchez appeared glum on the United bench and didn't make it onto the pitch as a substitute, but Martial deserved his minutes as he showed the attacking verve he can provide.

The France international was a constant threat, and his wing play was impressive as he operated wide of the inside channel.

Football writer Liam Canning complimented Martial for his display:

Romelu Lukaku clearly had more support with Martial running at defenders, and United's creativity was better than in the recent 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

However, the overall chemistry remains a huge problem in Manchester, and Mourinhocould not inspire his selection to victory.

Dalot is sure to become the first-choice right-back over the course of the season, with the signing from Porto providing the true width Antonio Valencia fails to achieve.

United have problems in various positions in the starting XI, but Mourinho might find Martial and Dalot provide him with immediate answers—if he keeps faith in their young talents ahead of ageing stars.