Man Utd predicted line-up as Erik ten Hag set to ring changes in EFL Cup
Erik ten Hag is set to ring in the changes for Manchester United's EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Charlton Athletic.
The Red Devils will play host to Dean Holden's League One outfit, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, off the back of Friday's hard-fought 3-1 victory over Everton in the FA Cup. Ten Hag shuffled his pack for that clash and looks set to do the same again on Tuesday, but this time even more so.
There could be a debut for Jack Butland in goal, as the 29-year-old ex-England international secured a six-month loan move to Old Trafford last week, joining from Crystal Palace. In defence, Ten Hag has ample options to freshen things up, with Harry Maguire set to return to the starting XI after reports of a transfer to Aston Villa were laughed off by sources close to him and the club.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is poised to reclaim the right-back spot after Diogo Dalot made his first start of 2023 on Friday, having suffered an injury during the World Cup. At the heart of Ten Hag's back line, Lisandro Martinez is expected to make a long-awaited full return following his triumph with Argentina and a subsequent period out of the starting XI.
Victor Lindelof may provide compeition for Martinez, as could the established Raphael Varane and left-back Luke Shaw, the latter of whom has shone in a new central role over the past fortnight. The left-back spot itself looks to be a shoo-in, with Tyrell Malacia on course to make his sixth start in seven games for United.
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In midfield, we could see the return of Scott McTominay and Fred as a much-maligned pairing, with Christian Eriksen the leading candidate to give Bruno Fernandes a rest in the No.10 position. Another player who went off before the final whistle against Everton was Antony, who only has Anthony Elanga to fend off on the right flank.
Jack Butland could make his Man Utd debut against Charlton (Manchester United via Getty Imag)On the left, it should be young Alejandro Garnacho deputising for the in-form Marcus Rashford, who'll no-doubt be called on from the bench if required. Anthony Martial should lead the line, despite Ten Hag's concerns over him being unable to cope with an intense run of fixtures.
"There is a reason [Martial has been subbed off in his last seven games]," the Dutchman explained after beating Everton. "It is because he cannot manage the load. This is why we are looking for another striker. It is not about us not relying on him. His physical load is not, at this moment, so high that he can play every third day a game of 90 minutes. So I have to manage that together with him."
Man Utd and Charlton will fight for a place in the EFL Cup semi-finalsHave your say! How should Man Utd line up to face Charlton? Give us your XI in the comments section.
"We are on a thin line at the moment because the qualities of Anthony Martial are so important right now to our game. His movements, his ball security, the pressing, let's not forget that. We need that profile to be a threat."
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Charlton: (4-3-3) Butland; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred, Eriksen; Antony, Martial, Garnacho.
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