Manchester United snapped their losing streak with 3-1 win over minnows Northampton in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Goals from Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and substitute Marcus Rashford on Wednesday night ensured the English giants would not be facing any further embarrassment after a tumultuous week.

Despite the disgruntled fans’ demand to drop the underperforming Wayne Rooney, United manager Jose Mourinho started the Red Devils captain at centre-forward.

And when his side were gifted a free-kick inside the box by the clearly nervous Northampton goalkeeper Adam Smith, Rooney could only smack his set-piece against the wall.

Fortunately for the visitors, the rebound fell to Michael Carrick, whose curler from the edge of the box opened proceedings in the 18th minute. Carrick, who hasn’t played a single minute in the season after the Community Shield, put in a typically assured performance against the lower-league side.

Despite dominating possession, United were unable to add to the score and the minnows got a shock equaliser after Daley Blind conceded a penalty close to half-time.

Alex Revell sent Sergio Romero the wrong way with his spot-kick to give Mourinho a major cause for concern as the teams were dead-locked into the interval.

Exiting the completion early must have been playing on his mind, for the United manager made a big double substitution, sending on star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and young Rashord in the 55th minute.

The substitution would prove telling, as Rashford helped himself to a goal and an assist less than 20 minutes of coming on.

Morgan Schneiderlin, signed a year ago by Mourinho&’s predecessor Louis van Gaal, superbly recovered the ball and released Rashford. But the forward was shunted out wide by a determined Northampton defence.

Rashford showed great presence of mind to spot Ander Herrera&’s surging run, and the Spanish midfielder let loose a shot that fizzed past everyone into the goal.

Herrera is another midfielder who hasn’t got enough playing time this season, as Mourinho preferred high profile Paul Pogba for the most part.

And Herrera got an assist when his speculative punt somehow deceived the host goalkeeper, allowing Rashford to walk the ball into an empty net.

While the scoreline was encouraging, United are not looking sharp in attack, and the result just gives Mourinho a breather for a few days.

The Red Devils, now, have an October 25th date with Derby rivals Manchester City in the fourth round.

United host defending champions Leicester City in the English Premier League on Saturday. It is really a must-win game for the Portuguese tactician.