As Manchester United prepares for their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Barnsley, manager Erik ten Hag is expected to shake things up in the starting lineup. With squad rotation a necessity in the face of a packed fixture list, this match offers an ideal opportunity for some of United’s fringe players to shine, including summer signing Manuel Ugarte.
Having made his debut off the bench during the recent victory over Southampton, Ugarte is now pushing for a place in the starting XI. The Uruguayan midfielder, highly regarded for his defensive prowess and ball recovery skills, could line up alongside seasoned veteran Casemiro in a newly formed midfield pairing. This would be a pivotal moment for Ugarte, who is eager to make a lasting impression at Old Trafford.
In addition to Ugarte, young midfielder Toby Collyer is likely to feature, giving United’s midfield a fresh look. Casemiro’s experience will be crucial in guiding both Ugarte and Collyer as the team looks to dominate possession against lower-league opposition.
At the back, ten Hag is expected to give Altay Bayındır a chance between the posts. The Turkish goalkeeper, who has largely been understudy to André Onana, will relish the opportunity to impress at Old Trafford. With Onana likely to be rested, Bayındır’s inclusion is a chance for United fans to witness the shot-stopper’s skills firsthand.
Defensively, we could see Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans anchoring the backline. Maguire, who has struggled for regular minutes this season, will be looking to regain his form. Evans, now in the twilight of his career, continues to provide valuable experience and leadership.
Summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to be rested, as are star players Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. This opens the door for other attackers, such as Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, to step up and stake their claim for regular first-team action. Garnacho, in particular, has been pushing hard for more minutes after his recent promising performances. The young winger’s flair and pace could be a game-changer against Barnsley.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee could also make an appearance in the attacking lineup. The Dutch forward has impressed in his limited opportunities and will be eager to show ten Hag he deserves more playing time.
Unfortunately, United will still be without several key players due to injuries. The likes of Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Rasmus Højlund, and Mason Mount remain sidelined. Additionally, there are doubts over Lisandro Martinez’s availability, adding further pressure on the defensive reshuffle.
Despite these absences, United will be confident heading into the fixture, especially given their depth in squad. This match represents a perfect opportunity for ten Hag to experiment with his squad, while also providing valuable minutes to those on the fringes.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Bayındır; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho
Doubts: Martinez
Injured: Yoro, Malacia, Mount, Lindelof, Shaw, Højlund
Match Details
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 8pm
Venue: Old Trafford
TV Channel: Sky Sports
This Carabao Cup tie offers a glimpse into Manchester United’s future, as emerging stars like Ugarte and Garnacho look to seize their opportunities. With Erik ten Hag keen to rotate and keep his squad fresh, it promises to be an intriguing encounter for United fans eager to see their team’s depth tested against Barnsley.
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