Manchester United play their penultimate game before the World Cup break this week when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
This is United’s first outing in the competition this season, with clubs competing in European football given an automatic bye to this stage.
They meet a Villa side only days after losing 3-1 at Villa Park in the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag keen to exact quick revenge on Unai Emery.
Here’s a look at the team the Dutchman could send out.
GK: David de Gea – Ten Hag hasn’t shown a willingness to rotate goalkeepers this season and with the Spaniard not going to the World Cup, resting him here seems pretty pointless.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Fit again and in severe need of some minutes. Diogo Dalot is available but probably deserves some rest.
CB: Harry Maguire – Dropped back to the bench for the weekend and sorely needs minutes ahead of the World Cup with England.
CB: Victor Lindelof – Started every game in the Europa League group stage, which suggests he will also be in the XI here.
LB: Tyrell Malacia – Now the chief rotation option at left-back behind Luke Shaw, who is likely to be rested here.
CM: Scott McTominay – Could come into the side after being left on the bench at the weekend. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to be rested.
CM: Fred – No longer a regular starter but played extremely against Spurs the last time he was named in an XI.
RM: Anthony Elanga – This is an important chance to prove himself because the young Swede arguably hasn’t made the most of opportunities so far.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – This guy would play 100 games a season if it was possible. He has been invovled in virtually every match so far this campaign and was suspended at the weekend so should be fresh.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho – The 18-year-old has started three of the club’s last four games in all competitions.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – Only one goal in the last month, scored against Sheriff, but Anthony Martial has only played 24 minutes during that same period of time because of injury and needs protecting.
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