Manchester United are back at Old Trafford after a return to the win column last time out with the Red Devils playing hosts to Crystal Palace as they go in search of another League Cup title triumph.
In what was Erik ten Hag’s first season at United, the Dutchman guided his new side to their first trophy since Jose Mourinho triumphed in Europa League back in 2017.
Our #CarabaoCup campaign begins at Old Trafford 💪#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2023
Our #CarabaoCup campaign begins at Old Trafford 💪#MUFC
Ten Hag took United to a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the League Cup final last year at Wembley, as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford scored a goal each.
These two last met in February towards the end of the last season and an early penalty from Bruno Fernandes and another goal from Rashford sealed all three points in the Premier League. Jeffery Schlupp scored for Palace late on that day.
Currently, things are still a bit of a mess at Old Trafford, despite beating Burnley at Turf Moor last time out.
Fernandes was once again the hero that day with a finish in the first half after he scored a stunning volley in the Burnley box from a sensational pass across the field from Jonny Evans.
Quite incredibly, United struggled to keep hold of the ball for most of the game, seeing only 30% of it. They also struggled to break down Burnley for most of the game, and if Fernandes hadn’t stolen the show with a Goal of the Season contender, ten Hag probably would have found himself with another winless match.
United are, however, the most injury-hit team in the league. Most of these come at full-back, and an injury to Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely brings in Diogo Dalot once again.
Luke Shaw is another name out for a long period, and he is joined by Tyrell Malacia in the left-back injury column, but it seems as if Sergio Reguilon will be fit despite coming off in the last game.
Lisandro Martinez is unlikely to return before the weekend, but Raphael Varane came back over the weekend and should start here with Victor Lindelof.
Jadon Sancho and Antony are suspended by the club, and Amad Diallo is out along with Kobbie Mainoo.
As for Palace, they are in 10th after a 0-0 draw with Fulham last time out, as they also lost to Aston Villa before that. The club last tasted a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the month.
Forebet predicts a win for United and under 2.5 goals.