Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is expected to ring in the changes when his side face Derby County in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United will welcome EFL Championship side Derby County, managed by Frank Lampard, to Old Trafford for their third round Carabao Cup clash on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils, coming on the back off a disappointing 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers this past weekend, will be keen on returning to winning ways. However, Jose Mourinho, going up against his former ward, is likely to make a series of changes to the starting line-up that drew against Wolves on Saturday.
Ahead of the game, the Manchester United boss confirmed that Argentine centre-half Marcos Rojo remains sidelined having picked up an injury when playing for the Under 23s, while Marcus Rashford is suspended.
“Marcos Rojo is the only player that is not available through injury and it’s Marcus Rashford’s last suspension match,” Jose said in his pre-match interview.
As is the case for the cup games, backup goalkeeper Sergio Romero will come in to replace David De Gea between the sticks for the home side. The centre-back pairing of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof have started four matches in a row and are likely to be given time off by the manager.
That would see Eric Bailly get into the starting lineup for the first time since the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Phil Jones also set to make a comeback, after picking up an injury in the loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Summer signing Diogo Dalot is set to start at right-back, Mourinho has confirmed.
“Obviously people liked what they saw in the match against Young Boys. This is an English competition, the different salt and pepper that English competitions have and I think it is good for him, for his development, for him to be ready for the top flight as soon as possible,” said the Manchester United manager making of the 19-year-old prospect.
Luke Shaw has been impressive in the new season, but is likely to be rested for the cup tie, paving way for veteran Ashley Young to feature as Manchester United’s left-back.
The Red Devils have received a boost in the midfield department, with Ander Herrera returning from injury. The Spaniard had been sidelined since the 2-0 win at Burnley, but Jose has confirmed that the Spaniard is ready for action. Ander is ready,
Mourinho told reporters on Monday.
Serb Nemanja Matic too, is available for selection, after sitting out of the contest against Wolves due to suspension. However, Mourinho preferred not to start him in the cup games last season and that is likely to be the case again on Tuesday.
Wholesale changes are expected in the middle of the park, with academy graduates Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira likely to get some game time against the Championship outfit on Tuesday night. The fit-again Herrera is likely to take up the third midfield slot to add some experience in United’s engine room.
Juan Mata is in line to start for the Mancunians on the right side of the attacking trident, while Anthony Martial is also set for a recall to the starting XI on the opposite side, at the expense of the misfiring Alexis Sanchez. Romelu Lukaku is expected to continue as the focal point of the attack, with Rashford ruled out of the cup tie.
