Manchester United Team News ahead of Barnsley Clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag provided the squad update ahead of Tuesday night's Carabao Cup third-round clash against Barnsley. After a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton at the weekend, Ten Hag has a healthy set of players to choose from as the Red Devils look to get on track with their Carabao Cup campaign.
Ten Hag confirmed that Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez are all fit for the upcoming game at his pre-match press conference. "They are all available," the manager confirmed, putting down the speculations about the potential injury knocks during the weekend game. Erik ten Hag expressed relief at having more squad options this season, compared to last year when injuries left him with limited choices at various junctions of the campaign.
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This optimism is a welcome change from last season's challenges, where injuries often forced Ten Hag’s hand in team selection. While squad depth is critical for Ten Hag this season, he hinted at the importance of rotation, given the packed fixture list to navigate a lengthy season with an extended Europa League campaign as well.
Among the non-availabilities, Luke Shaw remains sidelined, though Ten Hag mentioned progress in his recovery. Malacia, Victor Lindelof, and Rasmus Hojlund are also a few players to miss the game through injury.
New signing Manuel Ugarte, who made his debut off the bench, may feature against Barnsley. As Ten Hag teased, "You will see tomorrow what the selection will be."
With several players, including Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Rasmus Hojlund, still unavailable, the game provides Ten Hag a perfect chance to test the squad’s depth and keep the momentum going in what seems to be a make or break season for him and Manchester United.