After a successful outing on the south coast, Manchester United will be high in confidence ahead of kicking off the 2024/25 Carabao Cup charge.
Manchester United had a comfortable weekend, thrashing Southampton 3-0 at St. Marys’ to return to the winning column after successive defeats.
The win saw Marcus Rashford finally back on the scoresheet for United, along with Matthijs de Ligt grabbing his first for the club in a strong display, and then finally Alejandro Garnacho scoring the third.
It was a vital win for Erik ten Hag and although it cannot be taken out of proportion, with Andre Onana’s penalty save likely the moment which spurred United to victory, it was encouraging nonetheless.
Now, just three days later, it is match day yet again as the Carabao Cup is about to begin and Ten Hag has some key decisions to make while United could decide to utilise some youth players.
Stakes are high for United considering we have already seen Travis Binnion’s U21s beat Barnsley this season.
- READ MORE: Man Utd vs Barnsley prediction and analysis as Carabao Cup gives chance to build on momentum
How Manchester United could line-up against Barnsley
On Saturday, United had three injury scares – Lisandro Martinez, De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui all departed – however speaking on Monday Ten Hag has confirmed all three are available against Barnsley.
That being said, some rotation should be expected to try and prevent overworking the players, so here is how we predict United will line-up against Barnsley, with seven changes.
Altay Bayindir
For just the second time since arriving over a year ago, Altay Bayindir could be in line to start for United. Despite Ten Hag’s reluctance to rotate goalkeepers, surely he gives the Turkish international a go here.
Diogo Dalot
Back on his favoured side with Mazraoui not risked, Diogo Dalot will continue to be a regular and consistent performer – after a player of the year worthy season last campaign.
Jonny Evans
With both De Ligt and Martinez struggling with cramps against Southampton, expect no risks to be taken, and therefore a start for Jonny Evans could be in the offing.
Harry Maguire
Alongside Evans, we expect to be Harry Maguire who is ever reliable and is easily good enough to start regularly for United.
Harry Amass
At left-back, options are slim which is why we both hope and expect Harry Amass to be handed a start. The 17-year-old impressed in pre-season and drew comparisons to Luke Shaw, so it is time to give him his chance.
Manuel Ugarte
Moving into the midfield, Manuel Ugarte should be starting as he looks to get up to speed and learn his spot in this United team. He looked good on his debut, although a little rusty – which is to be expected.
Christian Eriksen
Partnering with Ugarte, Ten Hag must rest Kobbie Mainoo in order to avoid burning him out. Therefore, considering the possession United are sure to have, it could be the perfect game for Christian Eriksen instead of Casemiro.
Antony
On the right side, Antony will be chomping at the bit to get some time on the pitch, with only one minute so far. Ten Hag issued Antony a warning on Monday, but he should be given a start here in a rare chance which he really must take.
Bruno Fernandes
Starting in the No.10 position should be captain fantastic, Bruno Fernandes, with Mason Mount unfortunately missing through injury. We would love to see Jack Fletcher given a run-out after he bagged a brace against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy.
Alejandro Garnacho
On the left, we think Alejandro Garnacho finally gets a start after being used as more of a super sub for the opening few weeks of the season. With Rashford catching form, a star display is needed from the Argentine to unseat him.
Joshua Zirkzee
Up top, a return for Rasmus Hojlund looks unlikely, and with Ethan Wheatley not ready to start we expect Joshua Zirkzee to continue here – although a debut for red-hot Gabriele Biancheri would be more than welcomed.
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