Erik ten Hag will look to extend Manchester United’s winning streak after a difficult start to the season as the Red Devils face Crystal Palace in their opening Carabao Cup tie.
The Manchester club hoisted the trophy aloft in February, and will begin their title defence against Roy Hodgson‘s team at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
Ten Hag will hope that Saturday night’s 1-0 win against Burnley sparks a sea change at the beleagured club, after the Red Devils failed to impress in their opening Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich.
The 4-3 defeat at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday marked the third consecutive loss in all competitions, following back-to-back 3-1 thrashings to Arsenal and Brighton in the Premier League.
But should Man United look to clinch victory against the Eagles, they might have to do so with a side that has been depleted through injury or a lack of player availability.
Manchester United halted a string of losses with a 1-0 win against Burnley on the weekend
Erik ten Hag is likely to rotate his side for their opening Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace
But defender Jonny Evans is likely to keep his place after a stellar performance – as well as a lack of defensive options
Should Ten Hag look to mimic his preparations for last year’s tournament, the Dutch manager could hand a debut start to new recruit Altay Bayindir, who joined the club in September to deputise Andre Onana.
The former Inter Milan goalkeeper could be rested after redeeming himself against Burnley, following a disappointing night in Munich which saw the goalkeeper blame himself for Bayern’s opening goal.
United should be confident about the return of Raphael Varane as a full starter in defence, after the France international’s nearly six-week absence after picking up an injury in August.
The 30-year-old played a key role in Ten Hag’s side last season, and will add confidence and experience to United’s backline should he be handed a start three days after coming off the bench to face Burnley.
Diego Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans could be set to retain their places in the starting XI due to Man United’s gaps within the position, with Ten Hag unlikely to shuffle the pack with a move to promote out-of-favour former captain Harry Maguire. Evans has had an impressive return to Man United’s starting XI since his surprise move over the summer, and was one of the standouts on the weekend.
Raphael Varane could see a return to the starting XI after picking up an injury in August
Mason Mount (centre) could also rejoin the side after a spell out at the season’s start
Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat could be handed a full debut after missing out after move
Altay Bayindir (right) could also make his Old Trafford debut against Roy Hodgson’s team
Ten Hag would be grateful for the opportunity to hand a full debut to Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat, who has been unable to hit the ground running at his new club after injuring himself in training.
The Morocco international was forced to miss his call-up over the international break, but like Varane, the player took to the pitch as a substitute against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Amrabat could feature alongside Hannibal Mejbiri after the academy youngster was handed a start against Burnley on the weekend, and duly impressed as one of the player’s benefitting from the significant gaps in Ten Hag’s squad.
In attack, despite Marcus Rashford’s availability following his collision over the weekend, Ten Hag could opt to rest the England international and instead hand his place to Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing.
The Argentine is yet to find the back of the net for United this season, but will be eager to get off the mark against Premier League opposition, and could benefit from Ten Hag’s Carabao Cup rotation.
Facundo Pellistri (right) had a difficult night in Munich but could look to redeem himself on the right wing
Anthony Martial (right) could become the sharp prong of United’s attack should Ten Hag opt to rest Rasmus Hojlund
With both Jadon Sancho and Antony both unavailable due to continuing off-pitch issues, Facundo Pellistri is set to be called upon once again after a lacklustre performance on Bayern. The Uruguayan failed to make the starting XI against Burnley, but could yet step up in the first of United’s meetings with Palace this week.
Man United could also use Tuesday night’s fixture as an opportunity to bring back another injury absentee in the form of Mason Mount. The former Chelsea player has had scant opportunity to show his £60million worth since arriving at Old Trafford over the summer, and could step up as a central attacking midfielder as Man United hunt for goals.
Should Ten Hag look to test some of his less consistent players in the home clash, Anthony Martial could be given the nod to form the sharp prong of United’s attack. The Frenchman has only made the starting XI twice this season in all competitions, but got off the mark against Bayern last week by providing Casemiro with the crucial assist for United’s second in Munich.
Predicted Man United XI (4-2-3-1): Bayindir; Lindelof, Evans, Varane, Dalot; Amrabat, Hannibal; Pellistri, Mount, Garnacho; Martial
