Manchester United begin their 2024/25 Carabao Cup journey at home to League One Barnsley in the third round of the competition on Tuesday night.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils have developed an impressive record in domestic cup competitions, with the Dutchman helping oversee triumphs in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since his arrival. United’s victory in last season’s FA Cup final over Manchester City arguably saved Ten Hag’s job.

United have had a mixed start to the new season, but they head into this cup tie having cruised past Southampton 3-0 at the weekend.

While Ten Hag is expected to shuffle his pack considerably for this fixture, the hosts will be expected to enjoy a serene night against third-tier opposition. After starting the season strongly, Barnsley fell out of the play-off picture following a 3-0 defeat to Stevenage at the weekend.

Man Utd team news

United’s victory at the weekend did come at a cost with defenders Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martinez all limping off, although Ten Hag’s likely rotation in midweek means it was unlikely for any of them to feature on Tuesday anyway.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also remain out, with Victor Lindelof likely to return at the end of the month. Leny Yoro is a longer-term absentee, while Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund continue to nurse their hamstring injuries.

Manuel Ugarte could make his first start for the club after coming off the bench for his Premier League debut at St. Mary’s.

Barnsley team news

Forwards Max Watters and Fabio Jalo returned from their respective injuries at the weekend, meaning they’re in contention for Barnsley’s trip to the Theatre of Dreams.

Conor Hourihane, formerly of Aston Villa, is set to miss out, and there are doubts over the fitness of defender Donovan Pines after he was withdrawn at half-time of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Stevanage.

Man Utd vs Barnsley score prediction

The hosts have a ton of defensive injuries, but Ten Hag was always going to rotate and the Red Devils have typically dispatched lower league opposition without much fuss in recent years – FA Cup semi-final against Coventry notwithstanding.

Barnsley are expected to compete for a promotion berth in the third tier this season, but the gulf in class between the two sides will be mammoth on Tuesday. While the visitors could take advantage of the structural issues that continue to plague the Red Devils, the hosts’ quality going forward should allow them to safely progress into the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Prediction: Man Utd 2-0 Barnsley