Erik ten Hag MUST start these 2 players against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup

Erik ten Hag is expected to rotate his Manchester United side as they host Charlton Athletic in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

The United manager will have half an eye on the upcoming Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Saturday.

It was a strong team that appeared against Everton last week as The Reds progressed to the fourth-round of the FA Cup, where they will face Championship club Reading.

Whilst several changes are expected, there are two players that should definitely be playing this cup encounter at the Theatre of Dreams.

After missing the return to club football whilst he was celebrating his country’s incredible World Cup victory, Lisandro Martinez should be in line for his first start since he rejoined the squad.

The Argentine has come from the bench in both of United’s last two fixtures but will need some match sharpness ahead of the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men on the weekend.

It is likely that Ten Hag is preparing to reunite the partnership between Raphael Varane and Martinez in that important league fixture.

The 24-year-old defender has been one of the club’s finest performers this term but United have continued their solid form without him in the side. Victory against the League One outfit would make it eight wins in a row for The Red Devils.

Starting the game against Charlton would not only help ensure United’s defence remains solid with Varane likely to be rested, but also that Martinez can get some needed minutes before he comes into the team for the upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Meanwhile, with Donny van de Beek looking likely to be out for an extended period after suffering injury against Bournemouth, Ten Hag should look to start Zidane Iqbal in this game.

The young midfielder has impressed during friendlies at the beginning of the season and whilst the World Cup was on.

With Van de Beek out of action, the manager could look to use Christian Eriksen as the rotational advanced midfielder. The Denmark international has been used in a deeper role alongside Casemiro so far in this campaign.

This could open up a more rotational role for Iqbal, should United progress in different competitions.

Charlton provides an opportunity for the 19-year-old to make his first start for the club ahead of potential chances going forward for him this term.