Manchester United will host League One outfit Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
A place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals will be on offer when Manchester United take on Charlton Athletic in the quarter-final tie at Old Trafford. The onus will be on the visitors to get a positive result in their favour.
The Red Devils have turned the tide in their favour following two losses at the start of the season. Erik ten Hag has steadied the ship with an attacking brand of football. And the manager could get close further towards his first trophy as the Manchester United manager.
Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden has already spoken of his fondness for Manchester United. But the lifelong Red Devils’ supporter will be brimming with confidence when his side will enter through the tunnel.
These cup competitions have witnessed several shocking results over the years, and the League One side can definitely fancy one glamour victory. They defeated another Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round and would want to replicate that results.
Team News and Tactics
Manchester United
Jack Butland could be slotted into the starting lineup mere days after joining Manchester United. The goalkeeper has recently been brought in from Crystal Palace on loan, and he will have the chance to impress between the sticks.
Harry Maguire’s future has been up in the air. But the Manchester United will take the centre stage alongside Victor Lindelof, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez set to be rested keeping in mind the upcoming Manchester derby.
Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who Erik ten Hag recently praised, will likely appear on the two sides of the defence. Bruno Fernandes deserves a well-timed rest, and the Portuguese international will sit this one out after picking up two yellow cards in the competition.
Erik ten Hag might have to tweak his formation to cope with the absence of Bruno Fernandes. Donny van de Beek picked up an injury against Bournemouth, making him a certain absentee as the Dutch midfielder will need time to return to the pitch.
This could be a perfect opportunity for Zidane Iqbal to gain some game time as he impressed in the pre-season. He will be alongside Fred and Scott McTominay, who will be responsible for driving the midfield.
Jadon Sancho remains on the sidelines, as he is building his fitness after a difficult start to the season. Antony has not been that productive since his arrival in the summer, and the Brazilian will get the needed minutes on the right wing. Alejandro Garnacho will be on the left flank, while Anthony Martial should start up front.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Butland; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; Iqbal, Fred, McTominay; Antony, Martial, Garnacho
Charlton Athletic
Goalkeeper Joe Wollacott will miss this clash due to a fracture. Craig MacGillivray will be stationed in the Charlton goal. Mandela Egbo and Diallang Jaiyesimi will miss the clash with injuries, but Sean Clare and Chuks Aneke will likely offer their service in this match.
Ryan Inniss and Lucas Ness will have a tough task to cut out against the Manchester United attackers. Meanwhile, Sean Clare will be using his experience on the right side of the defence, while Steven Sessegnon will serve as a left-back.
Albie Morgan and George Dobson will be the obvious contenders to start in the midfield. Scott Fraser should provide the necessary balance. Jayden Stockley should be the preferred choice upfront, while Corey Blackett-Taylor and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi should cover the flanks.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): MacGillivray; Clare, Ness, Inniss, Sessegnon; Fraser, Dobson, Morgan; Blackett-Taylor, Stockley, Rak-Sakyi
Key Stats
- Tuesday’s contest will be just the second League Cup meeting between Manchester United and Charlton, with the Red Devils winning a second round tie 5-1 in 1974/75 in the other. Charlton are winless in their last 18 contests against the Red Devils (D2 L16), since a 2-0 win in November 1989.
- Charlton have won only one of their last 25 away games against Manchester United in all competitions (D3 L21), winning a top-flight visit 1-0 in August 1986 thanks to a Mark Stuart goal.
- Manchester United have won 16 of their 22 League Cup quarter-final ties, including four of the last five. However, their last two eliminations at this stage of the competition have been against sides from a lower division (Crystal Palace in 2011/12 and Bristol City in 2017/18).
- Charlton are looking to reach the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history. Their only previous quarter-final tie ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in 2006/07.
- Marcus Rashford has been involved in 13 goals in his last 12 League Cup appearances, scoring nine and assisting four.
Player to Watch
Anthony Martial
The Frenchman needs to galvanise his form, and this cup tie could be the perfect stage to bring back his confidence. Martial has provided some much-needed flair to the attack, and he will have to take it to the next stage. With Manchester United keen on signing Wout Weghorst, the onus is now on Martial to step up.
Prediction
Manchester United 3-0 Charlton Athletic
Manchester United should not have any problem in dealing with Charlton Athletic given their recent run of form. It would need a heroic performance from the visitors to upset the home supporters on Tuesday. The Hard Tackle predicts a straightforward 3-0 win for Erik ten Hag & co.