Manchester United are on a high after a Premier League away win over Southampton and now return to Old Trafford.
To begin the Carabao Cup this year, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will play League One team Barnsley in the third round.
The Carabao Cup was won by Ten Hag’s United in 2023, and this season, Cristiano Ronaldo has predicted that the Red Devils will prevail in the competition once more.
Even though Barnsley wasn’t playing at full strength, United’s under-21 team defeated the Tykes 3-2 in the EFL Trophy last month. Their goal is to cause a stir at Old Trafford.
This is United’s first midweek game of the 2024–2025 campaign, giving the management an opportunity to switch things up. We looked at some of the choices the boss has to make regarding selections before his press conference on Monday, which will include an update on injuries.
Altay Bayindir could start
Erik ten Hag actually has a choice of three for this fixture. Last season he stuck by Andre Onana for all of the cup games, barring the one he was unavailable for.
Yet with Onana now firmly entrenched as first choice and fully adjusted to English football, is it time to give him a rest, and more importantly, a chance for somebody else.
Altay Bayindir is Manchester United’s second choice, yet he has only made one appearance since joining the club on transfer deadline day in 2023.
The alternative would be to lean on experienced stopper Tom Heaton, who actually started for the under-21s in the EFL Trophy against Barnsley last week.
Harry Amass could lead defensive changes
Could this be left-back Harry Amass’s first sighting of the year? In the EFL Trophy match against Barnsley, the 17-year-old, who shone in the preseason, contributed an assist.
Luke Shaw’s injury is being monitored by United, and although he may be cleared to play again, it might not be a good idea to thrust him back into the starting lineup.
Anticipate a rotation of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire at the back to give Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt a break.
Casemiro and Collyer could feature, or a first Ugarte start
In the match against Southampton over the weekend, Christian Eriksen started unexpectedly. This could indicate that, in the match against Barnsley, Casemiro is reinserted into the starting lineup.
It’s time for United to give Bobbie Mainoo a break, and instead offer Toby Collyer, another talented young player, a chance.
Collyer led the under-21 team to victory against Barnsley last month and has made appearances against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Even more alluring is the possibility of Manuel Ugarte, the new acquisition, making his very first start.
Collyer and Casemiro might just be vying for a spot next to him.
Antony needs his chance
Because of Amad’s incredible form, big-money signing Anthony is now a forgotten man. All season, the Brazilian has played just one minute.
Anticipate that he will be given a chance to prove himself and get his first start against Barnsley while Amad gets a break.
Alejandro Garnacho, on the other hand, might also get a start after starting the first three of the season’s four league games as a substitute.
As of right now, there’s no word on Rasmus Hojlund’s condition. Joshua Zirkzee and youthful Ethan Wheatley, who was on Southampton’s substitute bench, are Erik ten Hag’s options.
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