Manchester United drop hints about team selection for Carabao Cup clash with under-21 XI

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Manchester United are expected to lean on academy stars to fill out the squad for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at Old Trafford.

United host Burnley and it is unclear how many, if any, of the returning World Cup stars will be able to feature.

So there were plenty of attentive eyes on Manchester United’s under-21 line-up for the Premier League Cup fixture against PSV Eindhoven.

The line-up dropped a handful of hints for how Erik ten Hag could line his side up against Burnley this week.

United’s under-21 selection drops first team hints

Firstly, here is a look at how Manchester United’s under-21 side lined up for the fixture…

Mastny; Jurado, Hardley, Bernard, Bennett; Mainoo, Hansen-Aaroen, Emeran, Shoretire, Mather; Hugill.

Subs: Harrison, Gore, Mejia, Wellens, Pye, Huddlestone

Firstly let’s look at who is involved. Three standout names are Rhys Bennett, Kobbie Mainoo, and Isak Hansen-Aaroen.

All three impressed during Manchester United’s winter friendlies in Spain, and Bennett and Mainoo both trained with the first team at Carrington last week.

However, starting a game just two days before the Carabao Cup tie would suggest a place on the bench is the most they can hope for later this week.

Bennett’s case is a little different. He was substituted after 48 minutes. This was a hint he could feature in the squad against Burnley.

Even more striking are three notable absences; Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, and Charlie McNeill.

Iqbal has a real chance of starting for United in midfield against Burnley, he started both the friendly matches in Spain. At a minimum, he will be on the bench.

Also in with a chance is Charlie Savage, who starred alongside Iqbal in pre-season. Erik ten Hag has seen enough of them to realise he can rely on them, at least as back-ups.

McNeill became the first Manchester United youngster to make his debut under Ten Hag earlier this year.

Manchester United need forward options to back-up Anthony Martial, and McNeill could get an extended run in the squads before the end of 2022.

Expect to see Bennett, Iqbal, Savage and McNeill in the squad – alongside the one teenager we now take for granted will be there, Alejandro Garnacho.