United 2 - 2 Derby (7-8 on pens)

Jone missed the penalty that won Derby the game

My God, what have we become? This is definitely not the first time that we've been eliminated at this stage from the League Cup but usually, even when we are eliminated, we give it a good go. Today United were second best against a Championship side. The starting XI should have beaten Derby comfortably, they should have never let the game go to penalties. Our players should have won the game in the first 20 minutes. Instead, we're here looking at an elimination from the League Cup. 

I'm lost for words. I can't understand how United can play a Championship side, at Old Trafford, and be second best. I would accept a loss if our players had an unlucky night, but there was nothing lucky with the way Derby won today. They forced a couple of good saves by Romero, scored a stunning free-kick, deservedly got the lead and were perfect in the penalty shootout. 

Mata scored in the first five minutes after a fine move and then Lukaku confirmed why I don't really trust him in easy scoring positions. He missed a couple of sitters when it was probably more difficult to miss. And please don't talk to me about his good stats. I don't care. You wouldn't trust Lukaku in a one on one situation if your life depended on it. And if you follow this blog, you know I've been saying this all along.  He does score goals, of course he does, but his misses really really irritate me and he seems to miss a very good chance every game. 

Anyway, from the 20th minute on it was all about Derby's desire to win and this game confirmed that teams don't fear United anymore and they most definitely don't fear coming to Old Trafford. 

The only positive today was perhaps Martial's performance and the fact that United showed some fight to get back on level terms right at the death after a header by Fellaini when we were with 10 men. 

The season is getting away from us. No, we don't dream of winning the Carabao Cup but it was perhaps one of two realistic chances of winning a trophy this year. Do we have a chance of winning the Premier League? No chance. The Champions League? You must be kidding. The FA Cup? Maybe. A club of this stature should not be in this scenario so early in the season. Something's definitely wrong and with the wealth of talent there is in our squad, I can't help but feel that Jose Mourinho is the bad apple. I am definitely not excusing the players but something definitely needs to change before it's too late.