Manchester United expected XI vs Barnsley with Manuel Ugarte among four changes

Erik ten Hag is expected to make four changes as Manchester United welcome Barnsley to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

After back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, Manchester United bounced back with a commanding 3-0 win over Southampton at St. Mary’s.

The game had an intense start, and after 30 minutes, Diogo Dalot gave away a penalty, but André Onana’s crucial save shifted the momentum. Shortly after, Matthijs de Ligt scored his first goal for the club with a header from Bruno Fernandes’ cross, and Marcus Rashford doubled the lead with a curling shot before the half.

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In stoppage time, Alejandro Garnacho sealed the win with a powerful finish, securing United’s three points.

Next, United will turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, hosting League One side Barnsley at Old Trafford in the third round—a competition Erik ten Hag lifted in 2023.

After his penalty save, Onana is expected to continue in goal. He has played every fixture except one since his arrival during the 2023 summer transfer window.

Due to a lack of other defence options, Noussiar Marzaoui and Diogo Dalot are likely to continue at right back and left back, respectively, but Ten Hag may opt to make changes in defence.

As Barnsley play in League One, this may represent the perfect chance to hand a rest to Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt and instead afford minutes to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, as Ten Hag will be keen to make sure his first-choice centre-back pairing are fit and ready for the games ahead.

In midfield, United fans witnessed Manuel Ugarte’s debut following his £42 million move from Paris St. Germain, and with the Dutch manager keen to get his new signing up to speed as soon as possible, he may make his debut.

The midweek tie will also offer United fans the chance to see highly-rated youngster Toby Collyer following his good 45 minutes against Liverpool, which would allow Kobbie Mainoo a rest after he started all four of United’s games so far this season, as well as playing for England during the international break.

As club captain, Bruno Fernandes is expected to continue his role in midfield, but depending on the game’s state in the second half, he may only play 60-70 minutes.

In attack, Ten Hag has a selection headache. Against Southampton, both his starting wingers, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford, played very well, but off the bench, Alejandro Garnacho scored a cracking goal in the dying moments. While the young Argentinian is bursting at the seams for a start, dropping the former two is not an easy task.

Amad’s performances across the last few months warrant his continuation on the right-hand side, and while dropping Rashford may seem the easier option, he scored against Southampton.

Ten Hag is keen to instil confidence in the English winger following his first goal of the season, so he may choose to continue him on the left wing in the hope that he grabs another against Barnsley.

Joshua Zirkzee remains the only first-team striker option, although Ethan Wheatley may also be given minutes off the bench.

Despite numerous chances on the pitch, Zirkzee has not scored in his last three appearances following his debut goal against Fulham, and a goal against Barnsley would no doubt help his confidence.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Marzaoui, Maguire, Evans, Dalot, Ugarte, Collyer, Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford.

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