Ruben Amorim has made his first big statement as the Man United manager by beating Manchester City in the Premier League but now he must back it up with a win over Spurs in the EFL Cup.
Manchester United will travel to London to take on Tottenham in the quarterfinal of the Carabao Cup and the Red Devils will be hoping they can carry Sunday’s momentum to North London.
The derby win will give Amorim and his players a whole lot of confidence but their recent record vs Spurs has not been great. United have not been able to beat the Lilywhites in their previous four meetings. The last time these two sides met was back in September in the Premier League and Ange’s side won that match 3-0.
That 3-0 win at Old Trafford came against a down-and-out Ten Hag side but under Ruben Amorim, Man United are looking like they have a proper plan and therefore we are expecting a much closer contest.
Manchester United team news and possible rotations:
The big news from Sunday was that the Man United manager kept Marcus Rashford and Garnacho out of the matchday squad which was a big statement of intent. The manager made it clear that the two star players were dropped due to rotations and there’s every chance they will be back in action in midweek.
Justifying his selection, Amorim told the press: “I don’t want to send a message [to Rashford and Garnacho]. It’s simply an evaluation, and they know it.
“The players are really, really smart. Everybody understands my decision. I have to choose. It’s just simple selection. I’ve informed Garnacho and Rashford on WhatsApp. There is a communication after the last training, as always”.
“They are alright. They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well!.”
If the manager has told the truth then Rashford and Garnacho will be back in action on Thursday night. Otherwise, Zirkzee or Antony will move up the pecking order.
Leny Yoro came off the bench on Sunday but now the youngster will be pushing for a start. Against Man City, Harry Maguire put in a fine shift in central defence but the England international is expected to move back to the bench, making way for Yoro.
Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench to replace the injured Mason Mount and he and Casemiro are likely to pair up in the middle of the pitch. Amad played as part of the front three on Sunday but will move back to the wing-back role.
Amad Diallo has been the star for Man United under the new manager and the youngster is currently one of the first names on the teamsheet.
If Rashford and Garnacho are back in the matchday squad then one of them should get a start with Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes playing as the two other attackers.
Man United predicted lineup vs Man City:
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana.
Defenders: Leny Yoro, De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez.
Wing-backs: Diogo Dalot, Amad.
Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro.
Attackers: Bruno Fernandes, Rashford/Garnacho, Hojlund.
