Manchester united vs Barnsley

adminyora

09/17/24 • 4 Views • 0 Share • Published in Sports

Livestream Manchester united vs Barnsley

Tuesday’s EFL Cup Third Round match presents an exciting opportunity for League One side Barnsley, as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Barnsley’s commendable progress in the competition has rewarded them with one of the most thrilling draws possible—an encounter against Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. The reigning champions of the EFL Cup will aim to continue their quest for silverware, with Ten Hag looking to build on his first trophy as United manager, won in this very competition eighteen months ago.

After a turbulent start to their Premier League campaign, Manchester United enters the tie fresh off a much-needed morale-boosting weekend win. A resounding 3-0 victory against Southampton helped Ten Hag's team bounce back from a damaging 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Liverpool prior to the international break. Although the scoreline against Southampton suggested a comfortable win, the reality was far from straightforward, with United's defense exposed early on. As focus shifts back to domestic cup competitions, United will aim to secure a place in the fourth round after being eliminated at this stage last season.

Manchester United’s Recent Form and Challenges

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has been a mix of highs and lows so far, with inconsistency plaguing the Red Devils. Following the international break, they faced a must-win clash against Southampton to maintain momentum and confidence. However, for the first half-hour of the match at St Mary's, United struggled to contain the Saints’ wide players, and their defensive fragility was exposed when Diogo Dalot conceded a penalty. Fortunately for United, goalkeeper Andre Onana made a crucial save from Cameron Archer's spot-kick, shifting the momentum in their favor.

Once United overcame that early scare, they quickly seized control of the match, scoring twice in quick succession through Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford. The two-goal cushion allowed United to dictate proceedings, and they added a third goal late in the match through Alejandro Garnacho after Southampton was reduced to ten men. Despite the positive result, United’s early defensive vulnerability will be a concern for Ten Hag as they prepare for the EFL Cup clash with Barnsley.

Injury Concerns and Squad Rotation for Manchester United

With several crucial Premier League matches on the horizon, Erik ten Hag is expected to rotate his squad for the cup tie. The Dutchman will likely use this opportunity to rest some of his regular starters and give playing time to fringe players and youngsters. However, injuries to key defenders could limit his options. Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and Matthijs de Ligt all limped off during the weekend match against Southampton. While De Ligt has since confirmed that his departure was due to cramping, Martinez and Mazraoui will need to undergo fitness assessments before the Barnsley clash.

Given these defensive uncertainties, veterans such as Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire are expected to step in. Both defenders have experience playing in high-stakes matches, with Maguire notably having played in United’s previous encounter with Barnsley in this competition back in 2009. Additionally, summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who started on the bench against Southampton, could make his full debut, anchoring United’s midfield alongside Casemiro.

United's front line is also expected to see changes, with Antony and Garnacho likely to be promoted from the bench to the starting lineup. Both wingers offer pace and creativity, and their inclusion could prove pivotal against Barnsley’s defense. Zirkzee, another young talent, is also expected to lead the line, giving United’s attack a youthful edge.

Barnsley’s Strong Start and Setbacks

Barnsley heads into this fixture as underdogs, but their strong form in League One this season will give them some belief that they can cause an upset. Prior to last weekend, Darrell Clarke’s side had collected ten points from their previous four matches, establishing themselves as promotion contenders. However, their momentum took a hit with a 3-0 defeat to Stevenage in their most recent league outing.

Despite this setback, Barnsley remains in a strong position in League One, and they will view the EFL Cup tie as an opportunity to test themselves against one of the Premier League’s elite clubs. Barnsley’s only other defeat this season came in the EFL Trophy, where they lost to Manchester United’s Under-21 team, though Clarke fielded a much-changed side for that match.

In the EFL Cup, Barnsley has shown their resilience by progressing through the earlier rounds in dramatic fashion. A penalty shootout victory over Wigan Athletic in the first round was followed by a thrilling 2-1 win against Championship side Sheffield United. This cup run has provided Barnsley with a welcome distraction from their league campaign, but they will need to be at their very best to stand a chance of advancing further.

Injury News and Possible Lineups

Barnsley has some injury concerns of their own, but the return of key players could provide a boost. Strikers Max Watters and Fabio Jalo made their comebacks from injury last weekend, both starting on the bench in the defeat to Stevenage. Their availability gives Clarke more options in attack as he looks to field a competitive side at Old Trafford. Defender Donovan Pines, who was substituted at halftime during the Stevenage match, is expected to be fit for the cup tie after his withdrawal was deemed precautionary.

The only confirmed absentee for Barnsley is experienced midfielder Conor Hourihane, a former Premier League player whose leadership and creativity will be missed. Despite this, Barnsley will field a strong lineup, with their attacking trio of Keillor-Dunn, Jalo, and Humphreys likely tasked with breaking down United’s defense.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup:

Onana; Dalot; Maguire, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho

Barnsley Possible Starting Lineup:

Slonina; Cotter, De Gevigney, Pines, Earl, Lofthouse; Connell, Phillips; Keillor-Dunn, Jalo, Humphreys

Match Prediction

While Manchester United is expected to heavily rotate their squad, even a second-string lineup should be more than capable of defeating lower-league opposition. Ten Hag will demand a professional performance from his players to ensure safe passage to the next round, and the added depth of quality in United’s squad should see them through.

Barnsley, for their part, will view this match as a free hit, and any result that keeps them in the game for as long as possible will be a success. Clarke’s side has the potential to cause United problems, especially given the Red Devils’ defensive vulnerabilities. However, with United’s attacking options likely to overwhelm Barnsley’s defense, a comfortable home win is the most likely outcome.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Barnsley

Barnsley has performed admirably in their cup run, but the step up in quality at Old Trafford may prove too much. United's superior depth and experience should see them progress to the fourth round, continuing their defense of the trophy they won last season.

0 0

• 0 Comments

No comments found

Explore more

Help