Manchester United XI vs Tottenham: Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo return, five changes expected

Rúben Amorim is expected to make five changes as Manchester United travel to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday evening.

Rúben Amorim is set for his first domestic knockout fixture as Manchester United manager when his team face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening.

United arrive in high spirits after a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester City, with Amad Diallo’s late brilliance sealing a memorable triumph at the Etihad.

Read More: Why Marcus Rashford isn’t in Manchester United’s squad vs Tottenham as team confirmed

While Amorim’s main focus remains on the Premier League and Europa League, the trip to North London offers a chance to build further momentum against Ange Postecoglou’s inconsistent Tottenham side.

Spurs, however, will be buoyed by their emphatic 5-0 win over Southampton at the weekend as they look to maintain that form in this midweek clash.

Five changes expected

Although Amorim is starting to understand which players comprise his ideal starting XI, it’s expected that he will continue to rotate to afford players rest while helping others better understand his system.

André Onana will probably continue in goal, but Amorim may use this time to give Leny Yoro further minutes as a right centre-back.

The central defender is a toss up between Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, although the latter only played 79 minutes against City cmopared to Maguire’s 90, hinting that De Ligt may be used against Spurs while Maguire is rested.

Lisandro Martínez may continue on the left side as he is the only left-footed centre-back in the squad, while Tyrell Malacia could well earn his place back in the left wing-back role.

Noussair Mazraoui started as the right wing-back against City and although he travelled to North London, he was spotted with a limp after the game on Sunday, so Amorim may choose to rest him and play Diogo Dalot in his more natural right-sided position.

Although Kobbie Mainoo played 76 minutes against City, this was caused by Mason Mount’s injury, and Amorim may have been planning to start the youngster against Tottenham instead, which is still feasable.

Manuel Ugarte was fantastic at the Etihad, but it’s wise for Amorim to keep his defensive midfielder well-rested, meaning Casemiro could come in for the Uruguayan international to partner with Mainoo.

In the attacking midfield positions, Amad Diallo has thrived, but may also be rested in order to keep him fresh for Premier League duties, meaning club captain Bruno Fernandes could fill in as the right-sided attacker.

Mount started on the left side against City but has been ruled out of the Spurs tie due to his injury, and with Alejandro Garnacho back in the squad, he may start on the left.

Rasmus Højlund is the best fit to play up front against Tottenham, as his pace could be well utilised for the space Postecoglou’s side often leave behind their defence.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Martínez, Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Malacia, Fernandes, Garnacho, Højlund.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.