Man United march on but City now lie in wait

Northampton 1 Manchester United 3: Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United ended a three-match losing streak and reached the EFL Cup fourth round with a timely, if at times uncomfortable, win at Northampton — but the draw wasn’t kind to United, who now face deadly rivals Manchester City.

Community Shield glory and three straight Premier League wins brought the feelgood factor back to Old Trafford, yet things have gone awry since the international break.

Mourinho’s men arrived at Sixfields looking to avoid the ignominy of a fourth straight loss and managed just that, running out 3-1 victors as their quality eventually saw off the spirited League One hosts.