Manchester United are back in action at Old Trafford tonight as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup third round
Manchester United return to action in the Carabao Cup as they face Brighton & Hove Albion. The Reds are looking to bounce back after a disappointing derby day defeat to Manchester City on Sunday. Michael Carrick’s group of players to select from could be exactly the same for the clash with Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Luke Shaw is the most likely to return, with Carrick set to observe the full-back before making his decision. Amad has been ruled out and Matthijs de Ligt is also expected to miss the game as he recovers from a long-term back injury.
Carlos Baleba is not fit enough to face his old club, but should make his debut after the international break. With rotation possible, Carrick could give chances to some young players, including JJ Gabriel, Tynan Thompson and Harry Amass.
With this in mind, our United writers have picked their teams for the game.
Tyrone Marshall
There will be changes for this game but perhaps not to the extent that Carrick would have been planning for a month ago. The pressure is building and he needs a result, so the chances of youngsters playing are reduced.
But in a way, this game means far less than Fulham on Sunday and that trip is a must-win, so it’s worth ringing the changes here. That means a debut for Darlow, Yoro and Heaven at the back and I would start Amass as well so that Mazraoui can play at right-back.
Santos needs to come back in for a start and Mount is due one as well. They combined to good effect in the summer in midfield. I think Fernandes is in need of a rest and would actually start Cunha as the No. 10.
That allows Sesko to lead the line and I’d go with youth on the wings, with Lacey and Thompson starting. There will be experience on the bench to come on if needed.
Steven Railston
Carrick will rotate for this game, but he will be aware that he needs a win after the Manchester derby defeat. The Premier League is the priority, but a bad start could threaten to turn into a disastrous one if United crash out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle for a second successive season.
Brighton have won four times at Old Trafford from their previous five visits and deserve respect, so I’d pick a reasonably strong team, with Lammens, Maguire, Fernandes, Mbeumo and Rashford keeping their places after last weekend’s game.
Sesko must start this game and maintain his place against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Jack Flintham
Carrick needs to skirt the line between rotation and competing to win tonight. I would give Darlow a run out. He is a stronger keeper than Altay Bayindir was last season, and deserves an opportunity to gain some minutes.
I would also take another look at Yoro in the centre-back role alongside Martinez, while Mazraoui replaces Dalot at right-back. Shaw could be fit for tonight but United may as well give him a few extra days to get over this niggle.
Santos did well in pre-season and deserves a run-out before Baleba returns. Lacey would be my sole academy player in the starting line-up. He has a point to prove after his red card against the Seagulls last season.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login