Man United won back-to-back games for the first time this season with a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.

A Manchester United employee joked that the hurricane had turned into a stiff breeze. As Britain waits for Storm Agnes, United has weathered their own storm.

Players, fans, and staff must long for nights like this one. United had it so easy that Donny van de Beek came on.

United made more changes than Crystal Palace, but they took this cup tie more seriously. They won consecutive games for the first time this season. As he made his way back inside for the intermission, technical director Darren Fletcher maintained a stern demeanor.

United’s lead was never threatened, as Anthony Martial’s brilliant half-volley ended the game before the hour mark. Dan Gore, a talented midfielder, made his debut on his 19th birthday, and Palace’s supporters were so dejected that they sang “We’ve had a shot” in the 67th minute.

One of the greatest shouts of the night went to Harry Maguire’s sliding tackle. The League Cup is Maguire’s only club competition, and he performed admirably, intercepting a cross with the game still scoreless. Erik ten Hag stroked Hannibal Mejbri’s hair after another mature outing, while Gore created audible applause for his commitment.

Ten Hag will be hoping that the opening 45 minutes mark the actual start of Mason Mount in a United shirt. Mount produced four chances in the first 27 minutes of his comeback from a 37-day absence due to a muscular ailment, and United scored on two of them.

Mount lived up to his number in the deep-lying role he was bought for, with sweeping passes reminiscent of David Beckham and a maiden assist for Casemiro direct from a corner. This was the first indication of why United spent £60 million to sign the England forward.

Though it only seems a matter of time before Ten Hag experiments Mount on the right, he made a solid case to stay in central midfield for the weekend. Mount left at the intermission.

On Saturday, a more difficult test awaits. Palace will not be as flippant in the Premier League rematch and will have a larger following than the few hundred travelling fans in the away end. United’s recent league games against Palace have been close.

Burnley was such a must-win game for United that they gave a promoted player more than 60% of the ball. This, the first of four consecutive home games, must be the beginning of them re-implementing their style and launching on a winning streak.

Five of United’s next six games are at Old Trafford, with the final on October 29 against Manchester City. The calendar provides United with the proper preparation to be at their best for the season’s first rivalry.

Mount’s early exit allowed full debutant Sofyan Amrabat to play 15 minutes in central midfield with Casemiro, a partnership that could last beyond the weekend. Amrabat started at left-back, where he had previously appeared under Ten Hag at Utrecht in 2016. In the absence of the ailing Sergio Reguilon, who was advised to avoid United’s Carrington training camp to avoid a spread, he was a worthy auxiliary alternative.

The places Amrabat and Diogo Dalot held in midfield, supplementing Mount and Casemiro, perplexed Palace analysts. On 21 minutes, Dalot’s sense of adventure reappeared with his best attacking performance of the year, teeing up Alejandro Garnacho for the opening goal.

Garnacho took a break from the festivities to enjoy a more intimate and private moment with the spectators. Roberto Garnacho, whose unused status against Burnley caught his interest, will have been just as happy.

Dalot’s performance was reminiscent of the level he achieved in the first three months of last season, and the recent defeats had shown signs of a return to form. The long-term absence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the superior right-back this season, could be a boost.

Dalot praised workhorse Facundo Pellistri for running to collect a stray pass, but Ten Hag was not amused and criticized the winger’s use of the ball. Ten Hag guided Mejbri into the final third several times and exchanged educational chats with the Tunisian.

Dean Henderson’s debut against his previous club was cut short due to a thigh injury, which forced his departure after 19 minutes. A few United fans booed Henderson as he approached the tunnel, probably still fuming about Henderson’s combative interview while on loan at Nottingham Forest.

United made good use of the Henderson halt. Ten Hag gave Mejbri a comprehensive pep talk, Amrabat and Casemiro exchanged tips, and Mount and Maguire did as well. Henderson will have heard joyous cheers he used to join as he re-entered the away dressing room.