Manchester United are set to face Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, marking the beginning of their domestic cup campaign. Following their dominant 3-0 win over Southampton, which saw Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho find the back of the net, United will look to build on their recent success and continue their momentum in the cup competition.
Having been knocked out in the fourth round last season, United are determined to make a deeper run this year. Manager Erik ten Hag has a solid squad at his disposal but will be keen to rest key players with a busy schedule ahead. Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag confirmed that there are no new injury concerns, though Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund remain sidelined.
Expected Lineup Changes
With Barnsley, a League One side, as the opposition, Ten Hag is likely to rotate his squad significantly. Ten Hag’s reluctance to rotate frequently has been well-documented, but given the lower-tier opposition and upcoming Premier League fixtures, some of United’s fringe players could get their opportunity to shine.
In goal, Altay Bayindir, who has had limited game time since joining United, is expected to start. Tom Heaton remains an option, but Bayindir is likely to get the nod. At the back, Diogo Dalot is one of United’s most consistent defenders and should retain his place at right-back due to a lack of senior alternatives. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and veteran Jonny Evans are expected to form a central defensive partnership, allowing De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez to rest. Teenage prospect Harry Amass could be handed his debut at left-back, showcasing Ten Hag’s trust in youth.
Midfield could see some exciting changes as well, with Casemiro and new signing Manuel Ugarte poised to feature. Casemiro, who was rested against Southampton, will likely return to anchor the midfield. Ugarte, who has been waiting for his chance, should start alongside Casemiro. This will provide both experience and dynamism in the middle of the park. Toby Collyer, another young talent, may make his debut, stepping in as Bruno Fernandes is expected to be rested or play a more advanced No. 10 role.
Attack Lineup
The forward line will see some rotation as well. Marcus Rashford, who scored in the weekend victory, might be rested, making way for Alejandro Garnacho to start on the left wing. Garnacho has impressed whenever given the chance and will be eager to leave his mark in the cup. On the opposite flank, Antony is likely to return to the starting XI after limited game time in recent weeks. Up front, Joshua Zirkzee, who scored on his debut earlier this season, could be entrusted to lead the line, giving him valuable minutes in his development.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Decisions
Given that Barnsley represents lower-tier opposition, this fixture provides an excellent opportunity for United’s younger and fringe players to impress. Ten Hag, who has spoken about the need to manage his squad carefully, said, “We have a busy schedule ahead, and it’s important to give players like Garnacho, Ugarte, and Zirkzee the minutes they need to build confidence and help the team.”
United’s depth in midfield, with the likes of Casemiro and Ugarte, along with the creativity of Fernandes and Garnacho, will likely be too much for Barnsley to handle. However, Ten Hag will be cautious not to underestimate their opponents, who will be keen to cause an upset.
Conclusion
In what should be a comfortable night at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s lineup is expected to feature a blend of youth and experience. Players like Garnacho, Ugarte, and Zirkzee will have the chance to stake their claim for more regular first-team involvement. With key players like Rashford, De Ligt, and Martinez rested, the stage is set for the next generation of United stars to shine in the Carabao Cup.
Focus Keywords: Manchester United lineup vs Barnsley, Carabao Cup, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Erik ten Hag, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes
This approach not only informs readers about the lineup but also delves into tactical reasons for the rotations and provides insights into players expected to play key roles(
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