Victory in last season’s final against Newcastle ended United’s six-year wait for silverware, and while the competition is far from the priority for Erik ten Hag this term, a routine win would have been a relief after a difficult start to the campaign.
Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro scored in the space of six first-half minutes, before Anthony Martial netted after the break to ensure the result was put beyond doubt before the hour mark.
Harry Maguire and Mason Mount started for United and Sofyan Amrabat made his full debut, while Dean Henderson made his first appearance for Crystal Palace as he made a swift return to Old Trafford after his summer move.
It was a reunion that lasted less than 20 minutes, with the goalkeeper forced to trudge off after picking up an injury as he launched the ball down the pitch. Sam Johnstone was rushed on and his first act was to pick the ball out of his net.
Facundo Pellistri’s touch found Diogo Dalot, his driving run took him to the byline and a cut-back into the box found Garnacho, who drilled a superb finish low into the back of the net on the stretch.
Johnstone denied Dalot a goal of his own after the Portuguese full-back was once again allowed a huge amount of space out on the right, but United did not have to wait long for their second goal.
It came in disappointing fashion too from a Palace perspective, Mount swinging in a corner and Casemiro allowed to rise highest and power a header home for his fourth goal of the season.
United’s dominance was not challenged after the break and within ten minutes of the restart they had a third goal to end any faint comeback hopes Palace had. Casemiro was involved again, clipping a lovely ball to the back post, where Martial got in behind Nathaniel Clyne to finish well from a tight angle on the half-volley.
Palace had to wait until the 67th minute for their first shot of the match, a wild effort from Clyne, a showing they will need to markedly improve on when they return to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.
