Manchester United vs Barnsley: Ten Hag selection dilemmas in Carabao Cup highlighted by youth prospects and fringe players

A Chance for the Youngsters?

Erik ten Hag will have to choose between youth and experience when he decides his Manchester United starting lineup for their Carabao Cup third-round clash against Barnsley. Several young players are pushing for a place in the team, including 17-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo has impressed in pre-season and played in the disappointing 4-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League last weekend. He could be joined in the team by fellow academy graduates Zidane Iqbal and Charlie McNeill.

Forgotten Men Hoping to Shine

Ten Hag will also have to decide whether to give a chance to some of the players who have been on the fringes of the first team in recent months. One of those is Donny van de Beek. The Dutch midfielder has made just one appearance in the Premier League all season, and he will be hoping to impress ten Hag enough to earn a more regular role. Another player who could get a chance is Alex Telles. The Brazilian left-back has also found himself out of favor this season, and he will be keen to stake his claim for a place in the team.

Tough Decisions for ten Hag

Ten Hag has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to selecting his starting lineup for the Carabao Cup. The Dutchman will have to carefully consider his team selection, as he wants to balance the need to give young players a chance with the need to win the game. The Carabao Cup is one of the few trophies that Manchester United can realistically win this season. Since joining English football, they have won it five times (2017, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2006) and they will be determined to add to that tally this year.

Experience vs Youth

One of the most difficult decisions that ten Hag will have to make is whether to start with experience or youth. On the one hand, he has players like David de Gea, Harry Maguire, and Cristiano Ronaldo who have a wealth of experience. On the other hand, he has exciting young players like Mainoo, Iqbal, and McNeill who are desperate to make a name for themselves. Ultimately, the decision will come down to ten Hag's assessment of the players and his game plan for the match.

Recent Form

Manchester United have been in poor form in recent weeks. They have lost their last two Premier League games, and they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough. However, they will be confident of beating Barnsley, who are a Championship side that is currently struggling in the league. Manchester United will be looking to use the Carabao Cup as a springboard to get their season back on track.