Erik ten Hag explains Man United line-up for Carabao Cup semi-final clash vs Nottingham Forest as Luke Shaw absent

Manchester United face Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash as Erik ten Hag makes two changes to the side that lost against Arsenal at the weekend.

The Reds will be aiming to get one foot closer to their first Wembley final since 2018 as they close in on lifting silverware for the first time in six years.

With a hectic schedule coming up, Ten Hag has decided to make adjustments to his line-up at The City Ground.

Victor Lindelof has replaced Raphael Varane in the centre of defence, giving the Frenchman a well-earned rest. Harry Maguire is not in the squad after receiving yellow cards in United’s prior two fixtures in the competition.

Tyrell Malacia has also come into the side at left-back for the first time since victory against Manchester City, with Luke Shaw absent from the squad due to illness, as Ten Hag confirmed.

“We rely on him,” said Ten Hag of Lindelof when talking to MUTV ahead of the game. “We know we have to use the squad but every player in the squad is able to play. Once their time is there, they have to take responsibility.

“We want to win every game, so every game we put up the best team. We rotate but slightly rotate. We take this [competition] seriously. We need a strong selection to beat this Nottingham Forest team.”

Antony also continues in the attacking line despite criticism about his impact recently. The £85 million summer signing is not yet at his best level but the United manager believes he is contributing well.

“When he’s playing, the team is winning. That already gives a message of how well he is performing,” said Ten Hag. “He can do better, I see space for improvement. For instance, and I think also you know this, we want him to be more direct and be more involved.

“But as I said, the team is performing better if he is on the pitch. That’s a good thing, that’s a good base to build further. I think he has already made an improvement.”

Read More: Confirmed line-ups: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United (Carabao Cup)

After disappointing results against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Ten Hag’s men will be desperate to get back to winning ways in this cup encounter.