Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke has issued a stern warning to his players following their 7-0 thrashing by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
The Tykes boss threatened to 'give my players a slap' if they ever question the quality of Premier League stars after the humbling defeat at Old Trafford.
Clarke expressed his deep disappointment with his team's performance, telling Sky Sports: "If I ever hear of me my players telling me players are poor I'll be giving them a slap because we were miles off against a team that can absolutely destroy you when you're not at it.'
He added: "They're a quality team but we're very disappointed in our performance. We haven't done ourselves justice.'
Man Utd news: Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke has vowed to 'slap' any of his players if they question the quality of Premier League players following their defeat to Man Utd in the Carabao Cup
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The 46-year-old highlighted the stark contrast between his team and top-tier opposition, describing the match as a 'huge wake-up call'.
He emphasised the gap in quality, stating: "I know it's a big occasion against a very, very good team, I get that, and they turn it on against Premier League teams, but it's a huge wake-up call for me, to the players, to understand what it takes to be a player."
The manager singled out only one player for praise, saying: "Maybe one player, Mael (de Gevigney), probably comes out of the game with credit, but not for us."
The Barnsley boss admitted to confronting his team about their performance, saying: "I have had a go at them. I wasn't happy with the performance."
Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford was among the goalscorers as the Red Devils thumped Barnsley in their Carabao Cup clash
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The match at Old Trafford showcased Manchester United's dominance, with Erik ten Hag's side peppering the Barnsley goal with 26 shots.
The Red Devils' performance was so overwhelming that Barnsley failed to register a single attempt on target.
For United, the victory represented a step in the right direction after a turbulent start to the season.
Marcus Rashford continued his return to form, scoring his second and third goals of the season - with Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen also bagging braces, while Antony was on target.
Man Utd news: Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke was left furious following his side's defeat
REUTERS
The result provided Ten Hag with back-to-back wins, offering a brief respite after previous losses to Brighton and Liverpool before the international break.
Clarke acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating: "I know we have come to Man Utd, who have world-class players, but I wasn't happy with how we played."
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The Barnsley manager questioned whether the occasion had affected his players, admitting: "Did the occasion get to some of them? Yes, probably."
He believes the result further emphasised the gulf in quality between his team and top-tier players, stating: "The players were miles off the standards of a top Barnsley player tonight never mind a top Premier League player."
The manager's disappointment was palpable as he reflected on what should have been a proud moment for the club.
"It was a proud night for myself but it's been ruined by the performance," he lamented.
United are next in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday night (5.30pm).
Barnsley, meanwhile, go up against Burton on the same day.
