Just now: Manchester United risk total disqualification from EFL Cup as English FA set to CANCEL Man Utd vs Barnsley EFL Cup third round match tonight due to
Manchester United face Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford this evening.
Following a two-game losing streak, the Red Devils secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton last weekend, climbing back into the Premier League’s top half.
Manager Erik ten Hag aims to maintain this positive momentum against Barnsley. Although United are strong favorites, Ten Hag might not overhaul the entire starting XI. The expected formation is 4-2-3-1.
**Projected Line-up:**
Altay Bayindir, who made only one appearance last season with Ten Hag favoring Andre Onana, will hope for a start in goal.
Diogo Dalot is anticipated to play as right-back. The Portuguese defender has had a mixed start this season but may be positioned in his preferred role tonight.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez could be rested, with Harry Maguire set to partner Jonny Evans in central defense. Harry Amass might be in line for his debut at left-back.
This match is an ideal opportunity for Manuel Ugarte to make his full debut in midfield.
Casemiro, dropped after a poor performance against Liverpool, showed his quality coming off the bench with a key pass leading to Alejandro Garnacho’s goal. He is expected to join Ugarte in midfield.
Garnacho is likely to start on the left wing, having impressed as a substitute. He will replace Amad Diallo, with Antony getting a rare chance on the right wing.
Antony was initially scheduled to be a substitute at St Mary’s but was replaced by Casemiro after De Ligt suffered cramp late in the match.
Bruno Fernandes, a regular starter, is expected to play in the number 10 role, with Joshua Zirkzee up front. Zirkzee, who has struggled in recent outings, will look to boost his confidence with a goal contribution against Barnsley.
**Possible Man Utd Line-up vs Barnsley**
For tonight’s Carabao Cup clash between Manchester United and Barnsley at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag will be aiming to build on the momentum gained from their recent 3-0 win over Southampton. Given the significance of maintaining form, United are expected to field a mix of first-team regulars and fringe players in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Here’s the projected Manchester United line-up:
– **Goalkeeper**: Altay Bayindir will likely start, providing him an opportunity to impress after limited game time behind Andre Onana.
– **Right-back**: Diogo Dalot is expected to start, aiming to find consistency in his performances this season.
– **Center-backs**: With Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez potentially rested, **Harry Maguire** and **Jonny Evans** are poised to partner in central defense.
– **Left-back**: Youngster **Harry Amass** could be handed his debut, offering Ten Hag the chance to evaluate the promising talent.
– **Midfield**: **Manuel Ugarte** is in line for his full debut, joined by **Casemiro**, who is looking to build on his impact off the bench in the Southampton game.
– **Attacking midfield**: **Bruno Fernandes** will continue in his regular number 10 role, controlling the creative play.
– **Wingers**: **Alejandro Garnacho** is set to start on the left after his impactful performance as a substitute. On the right, **Antony** will likely be given a chance to regain form and rhythm.
– **Striker**: **Joshua Zirkzee**, who has struggled for consistency, will lead the attack, aiming to find the back of the net and boost his confidence.
**Possible Man Utd Line-up vs Barnsley**:
– **GK**: Altay Bayindir
– **RB**: Diogo Dalot
– **CB**: Harry Maguire
– **CB**: Jonny Evans
– **LB**: Harry Amass
– **CM**: Manuel Ugarte
– **CM**: Casemiro
– **RW**: Antony
– **CAM**: Bruno Fernandes
– **LW**: Alejandro Garnacho
– **ST**: Joshua Zirkzee
With this mix of experience and youth, Ten Hag will hope to secure a comfortable win to advance in the Carabao Cup.
