As Manchester United prepares for the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Barnsley, manager Erik ten Hag is expected to ring the changes, offering a mix of experience and youth. With a string of crucial league fixtures on the horizon, the visit of lower-league opposition provides the perfect opportunity for rotation, as some senior players rest and younger talents are handed valuable minutes.
Injury Concerns and Rested Stars
United will likely be without a number of first-team regulars. Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui, both nursing knocks from the recent 3-0 win over Southampton, may not feature. While Ten Hag has confirmed that recent absentees like Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Højlund will remain sidelined, summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes are expected to sit out, too, allowing the manager to test his squad depth.
Defense: Experience Meets Youth
With injuries piling up, Ten Hag will look towards a blend of experience and youth in his backline. Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are likely to form the central defensive partnership, bringing seasoned leadership to the defense. Maguire, who has had limited game time this season, will hope to use this opportunity to make a case for more regular appearances.
At full-back, Diogo Dalot is expected to retain his place on the right, while 17-year-old Harry Amass could be handed his debut on the left. Amass, who already has experience playing against Barnsley this season in the EFL Trophy for the U21s, will relish the chance to prove himself on the senior stage.
Midfield: Ugarte and Collyer Set for Key Roles
United’s midfield could see significant rotation, with Casemiro potentially returning to the starting lineup after being rested in the win against Southampton. However, the main focus will be on new signing Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to make his full debut after coming off the bench in the previous fixture. The Uruguayan midfielder, brought in as a long-term replacement for the aging Casemiro, will be eager to make an impact in his first start.
Another young talent, Toby Collyer, could also start alongside the more seasoned midfielders. Collyer’s brief cameo against Liverpool showed promise, and he will look to further impress as Ten Hag continues to assess the future of United’s midfield options.
Attack: Garnacho and Antony Lead the Line
In attack, fans can expect to see a combination of established and up-and-coming stars. Alejandro Garnacho, who scored in the last league game, is set to start on the left wing. The Argentine winger continues to push for more minutes in the first team, and the match against Barnsley could further showcase his potential.
On the right, Antony will likely return to the starting lineup after playing just one minute of football this season. With the winger needing game time to regain form and fitness, this cup tie provides the ideal platform for him to build momentum.
Leading the line, Joshua Zirkzee will likely continue as United’s number 9.
Goalkeeper: Bayındır or Onana?
While Altay Bayındır may have been earmarked for cup games, Ten Hag’s reluctance to rotate goalkeepers—especially given Andre Onana’s penalty-saving heroics against Southampton—may mean that Onana retains his place between the sticks. However, Bayındır, the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, remains hopeful of his first start for the club.
Predicted Manchester United Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defense: Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Amass
Midfield: Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer
Attack: Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho
With a mix of senior players and exciting prospects, Ten Hag’s rotational strategy against Barnsley could provide valuable minutes for those on the fringes while also testing the readiness of new signings. The game presents a vital opportunity for United’s youth to make their mark and for the experienced players to regain form ahead of the club’s busy schedule.
