We’re down to the elite eight in the EFL Cup, and seven of the remaining sides are from the top flight. The only non-Premier League team left is Charlton Athletic FC, and they are from League One (the third tier of the English FA pyramid).
So it looks like Manchester United really lucked out, as they are the team which drew the minnows from the Southeast London.
EFL Cup Quarterfinal Draw
Manchester United vs Charlton
Southampton vs Manchester City
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves
Newcastle vs Leicester City
Boxing Day Fixture Preview Material
Man United team news: go here Man United Starting XI Prediction: go here
The last time United won a trophy, it was the Jose Mourinho era, and it came in the UEFA Europa League, in 2017. So it has been awhile, especially by their lofty standards. It is looking like this tournament is maybe setting up, potentially, as a golden opportunity for United to finally end that drought.
Perhaps.
Obviously, City have been dominant in the EFL Cup competition this decade or so, and they’re still in this field, obviously, but right now they seem like the only major obstacle left for the Red Devils.
United are not used to completing seasons without winning silverware. At least not until the last few seasons under the Glazer regime.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.