Manchester United are on a high after a Premier League away win over Southampton and now return to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will face League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round to kick off this year’s campaign.
Ten Hag’s United won the Carabao Cup in 2023, and Cristiano Ronaldo has tipped the Red Devils to win the competition again this upcoming season.
United’s under-21s beat Barnsley 3-2 in the EFL Trophy last month, although the Tykes were not quite at full strength. They will be looking to spring an upset at Old Trafford.
This is United’s first midweek match of the 2024/25 season, and a chance for the manager to rotate. Ahead of his press conference on Monday which will provide an injury update, we took a look at some of the selection decision facing the boss.
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 a first sighting of the season for left-back Harry Amass? The 17-year-old was a star in pre-season, and provided an assist against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy.
United fans are awaiting an injury update on Luke Shaw – but it may not be wise to rush him straight back into the starting line-up even if he was passed fit.
At the back expect Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire to be rotated in, giving Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt a rest
Casemiro and Collyer could feature, or a first Ugarte start
Christian Eriksen was a surprise starter at the weekend against Southampton. This could mean Casemiro is rotated back into the side in his place against Barnsley.
United really ought to give Kobbie Mainoo a rest – so lets see another promising youngster Toby Collyer given an opportunity.
Collyer has appearances against Manchester City and Liverpool under his belt, and captained the under-21s in their win over Barnsley last month.
More tempting, is the prospect of a first ever start for new signing Manuel Ugarte.
Casemiro and Collyer could simply be competing for a place alongside him.
Antony needs his chance
Amad’s sensational form has led to big money signing Antony becoming a forgotten man. The Brazilian has just one minute of action all season.
Expect him to be given a first start against Barnsley and an opportunity to stake his claim, while giving Amad a rest.
On the other side Alejandro Garnacho could be handed a start too, having begun on the bench for three of the first four league games of the season.
There is currently no update on Rasmus Hojlund’s status. Erik ten Hag has a choice between Joshua Zirkzee and youngster Ethan Wheatley, who was on the substitute’s bench at Southampton.
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