Rúben Amorim is expected to make at least three starting XI changes as Manchester United face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
After opening their Premier League season against Arsenal and Fulham, Manchester United now shift focus to the Carabao Cup with a second-round clash away to Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
It marks the first time in a generation that United begin the competition at this stage, the result of last season’s 15th-place finish which denied them a bye into the third round.
With a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal followed by a 1-1 draw at Fulham, Rúben Amorim will be determined to guide his side to a first victory of the campaign and ease the early criticism.
Given the quick turnaround from the trip to West London, the United manager is expected to make several adjustments to his starting lineup.
Mainoo to start vs Grimsby
Speaking on Sunday evening, Amorim confirmed that he would make multiple changes for the Grimsby tie. “Yes, we have three games this week, we have quality players, and we need to do rotation to try to win every game,” he said when asked if there would be rotation.
One of these will be André Onana. According to ESPN, the Cameroon goalkeeper is one of at least three changes to be expected on Wednesday evening, with Altay Bayındır, who has started the last two fixtures, set to be dropped.
As for the defence, Amorim recently confirmed that Noussair Mazraoui could return to training this week, but this will likely be too soon. Leny Yoro could remain in his right centre-back role, while Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven could come into the team in the centre and left of the back three.
This would then leave Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw rested, both of whom have started United’s last two fixtures.
In midfield, ESPN also stated that Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to play this campaign, will be in the middle of the park, and the Englishman may be paired with Manuel Ugarte, who has been used only as a substitute so far.
As for the wing-backs, Amad is likely to remain on the right-hand side, while Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu may continue on the left, but could make way in the second half to hand 18-year-old Diego Leon his debut.
Finally, for the front three, ESPN have reported that new signing Benjamin Šeško is set to make his full debut for United, having come off the bench across the last two games.
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Bryan Mbeumo has played 90 minutes across United’s last two games but has looked a little leggy towards the back end of each match, so could be given a rest, with Bruno Fernandes instead playing on the right.
As for the left-sided attacking spot, Matheus Cunha will likely be given a continued role, although he could come off early depending on the scoreline in the second half.
United predicted XI vs Grimsby
Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu, Fernandes, Šeško, Cunha.
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