After a disappointing performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup, where they did not register a shot on goal, Manchester United host neighbours and arch-rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final. The first of two legs of the semi-final will be held at Old Trafford with the return leg taking place on 29th January.
The Red Devils will be confident ahead of the clash after having beaten their arch-rivals City fairly comfortably in the league at Etihad this season. The last time these two sides faced in the League Cup was back in 2016 when United beat City 1-0 in the fourth round of the competition.
Let’s take a look at the possible Manchester United lineup for this key game against Manchester City.
Team News
Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba will surely miss the game due to injuries, while several other players are doubts for the game. Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have been out for a while and this game may come too soon for them, while the status of Marcos Rojo is unknown.
Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, and Jesse Lingard all missed the game against Wolves due to illness, and Solskjaer was not sure if they will all be fit.
Harry Maguire is also a slight doubt, having suffered a knock in the game against Wolves.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP vs MAN CITY (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
It will be interesting to see if Solskjaer persists with Sergio Romero in the Manchester United lineup, who has played all three League Cup games so far this season, while also playing against Wolves in the FA Cup over the weekend.
The manager is expected to give David de Gea the game off following his dip in form and continue with Romero.
Defence
Victor Lindelof should start for United, and if Maguire is fit, he should partner him at the back.
If Maguire is not fit, Phil Jones will have to replace the Englishman, something that the fans are not to keen to see materialise.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka should return to the Manchester United lineup against the Sky Blues, replacing captain Ashley Young at right-back.
Brandon Williams should continue at left-back after yet another impressive performance against Wolves.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic and Fred should start in midfield as Solskjaer does not have any other options in the middle of the park.
Andreas Pereira should also keep his place, playing further ahead in the No. 10 role which will see Juan Mata relegated to the bench after a rare start in the previous game.
Attack
Marcus Rashford should return to the Manchester United lineup, playing on the left side, while Daniel James could move over to the right.
Mason Greenwood should start as the main striker if Anthony Martial is not passed fit but we expect the Frenchman to be given every chance to start.
Mata would do a great job rather than Pereira. This is a great gamble with the united midfield generals pogba and scot Injured.