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Erik ten Hag has made a surprising team selection decision this evening as his Manchester United side line up to face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
It was widely expected that there would be some rotation, with many expecting young Toby Collyer to get a chance in midfield and Harry Amass at left back.
Collyer has indeed been selected, but looks to be playing in the left back slot that could have been the former Watford youngster’s place for the night.
Altay Bayindir gets a rare chance in goal. Andre Onana gets a full night off, as Tom Heaton is the reserve keeper.
Diogo Dalot is at right back.
Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are at centre back, with Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt rested after picking up knocks on Saturday.
It is looking like a 4-3-3, with Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen all starting, although Eriksen could play at number 10.
Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford all start, but there is no place for Amad Diallo or Josh Zirkzee.
We expect Rashford to be assuming the centre forward role.
Antony was the subject of intense questioning at the pre-match press conference, with Ten Hag suggesting other players have better “chemistry”. Nonetheless, the boss has handed him a chance to prove himself.
There is a strong bench, with Heaton, De Ligt, Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Zirkzee and Ethan Wheatley making up the 20.
Amass will be disappointed not to even make the bench in a match where the team is so heavily rotated.
Beginning our 2024/25 #CarabaoCup journey 🔴#MUFC || #CarabaoCup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 17, 2024
Tonight’s kick-off at Old Trafford is at 8pm.
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