Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he has “headaches” over his selection against Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday (8pm BST), adding that rotating his squad is “very important” in pursuit of a trophy.
Defenders Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof, midfielder Mason Mount and forward Rasmus Hojlund remain out but winger Antony – United’s second-most expensive ever signing – could make his first start of the season against the third-tier visitors.
Ten Hag would not be drawn on whether new £42.2 million midfielder Manuel Ugarte will make his first start for the club, having debuted with a 17-minute substitute appearance in their 3-0 Premier League win at Southampton on Saturday.
View this post on Instagram
Man United vs Barnsley
“You will see tomorrow what the selection will be for this game,” said Ten Hag. “[Shaw] is progressing well. We have a plan in our head on when he can be ready but you’re always dependent on how the progress will go and you can’t… make a suggestion because there are so many factors. A plan can accelerate or slow down.
“Last year, I also had headaches but there were no players available. I have many players available [now] and we can make a selection from game to game.
“We definitely have to rotate because we have to cover so many games. It’s not only about the starting 11. It’s a nice headache.”
Man United injuries
An £86m signing in 2022, Brazil international Antony’s only appearance this season lasted a minute at Brighton & Hove Albion.
After an injury-hit 2023-24, Mount started United’s first two matches of 2024-25 but was substituted in both, lasting 45 minutes against Brighton before missing two matches with a hamstring injury.
View this post on Instagram
Shaw featured in the final three matches of England’s run to the final of Uefa Euro 2024 in July despite not playing for United since February.
United have made a patchy start to the season, losing two of their three matches to increase the pressure on Ten Hag before their win over Saints.
The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup in 2022-23 and led United to a surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last season, when reports beforehand had suggested he was on the brink of the sack.
EFL Cup ‘significant’ for United
“It’s about winning trophies but I don’t talk only about this… no doubt we are aiming for a trophy and we take [this competition] seriously,” said Ten Hag.
“I wouldn’t say it’s insignificant. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup are significant. I see the attention from all the teams, all the owners, all the managers… I see all the teams battling for it.
“We want the same. Winning trophies is very important… our aim is to win all of the games, if possible.”
