There’s been plenty to criticise Erik ten Hag for since his appointment as Manchester United manager, but his record in domestic cup competitions has been ever so impressive.
After guiding the club to Carabao Cup glory amid an impressive debut campaign, Ten Hag arguably saved his job by masterminding a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final.
United begin their 2024/25 domestic cup schedule on Tuesday night against League One outfit Barnsley, with Ten Hag’s side aiming to secure progression into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
There’s bound to be plenty of rotation in midweek with United’s fringe squad members poised for run-outs. Here’s the team Ten Hag could pick for Barnsley’s visit in the cup.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Barnsley (4-3-3)
GK: Altay Bayindir – United’s literal number one hasn’t exactly impressed on his rare outings, but he could get a chance in midweek. Tom Heaton may also be considered with Andre Onana earning a rest.
RB: Diogo Dalot – United don’t have an abundance of full-backs available, so Dalot will likely have to remain in the team following a difficult afternoon at Southampton on Saturday.
CB: Harry Maguire – The England international has dropped down the pecking order following United’s summer business, but Maguire will be expected to rack up plenty of appearances this season – especially with Ten Hag happy to rotate his centre-backs during games.
CB: Jonny Evans – Lisandro Martinez won’t be risked, while Matthijs de Ligt was cramping towards the end of Saturday’s win. Veteran Evans should partner Maguire on Tuesday with Victor Lindelof also absent.
LB: Harry Amass – Noussair Mazraoui is a fresh injury concern, and Amass offered enough in pre-season to suggest he’ll be comfortable operating with the seniors in 2024/25.
CM: Casemiro – The Brazilian was dropped to the bench on Saturday following his disastrous outing against Liverpool. He shouldn’t be outclassed given the calibre of opposition on Tuesday.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – After making an efficient Premier League debut off the bench at St. Mary’s, Ugarte is poised to make his first start for United after completing his move to the club late on in the summer transfer window.
CM: Toby Collyer – The 20-year-old was another to impress in pre-season, with Collyer also looking at ease when he appeared off the bench during United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. The midfielder should get plenty of minutes in the domestic cups this term.
RW: Antony – It won’t be long before Antony is nothing more than the forgotten man at Old Trafford, with his stars likely to be rare this season. However, he could be handed a chance by the manager on Tuesday.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee – The Dutchman may not be a prolific goalscorer, but the aesthetics are off the charts and his ability to combine is majestic. Zirkzee was excellent in bursts at the weekends, and he should continue in the side on Tuesday. He should have chances to add to his United goal tally.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho – Garnacho completed United’s comfortable win on the South Coast with an emphatic finish with the last kick of the contest. Ten Hag has stuck by Marcus Rashford, and his faith was vindicated at the weekend, but the Argentine winger will come back into the side for this cup tie.
