We take a look at the team news as Man United host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, aiming to secure a place in the final at Wembley. With a 3-0 lead from the first leg, the Red Devils are in a strong position to advance.
However, manager Erik ten Hag may still make a few changes to the lineup, as Christian Eriksen is out due to injury. The Dutchman has prioritised the cup competitions and is determined to bring the club its first trophy in over five years. The first leg was dominated by Marcus Rashford’s solo goal, Wout Weghorst’s first for the club, and a late goal from Bruno Fernandes.
Injury/Suspension List:
Manchester United’s comfortable victory against Reading in the FA Cup fourth round was marred by an injury to midfielder Christian Eriksen, who suffered a blow to his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months.
During the match, the Danish star was caught by a challenge from Reading forward Andy Carroll, causing him to exit the game in the second half. An update from the Red Devils indicated that Eriksen is expected to be out of action until late April or early May.
This adds to the team’s growing injury list, which includes Donny van de Beek, Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial, and Diogo Dalot. The availability of Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay, and Luke Shaw is also in question. As a result, Fred may take over Eriksen’s role in the midfield. Ten Hag may also give starts to Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho given their three-goal lead.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White also suffered an ankle injury during the first-leg loss and is unlikely to recover in time for the second match. The Forest treatment room is filled with other injured players, including Moussa Niakhate, Giulian Biancone, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Omar Richards. Jesse Lingard or Emmanuel Dennis may start in place of Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest Form:
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Manchester United Form:
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Read More:
- Player Profile – Wout Weghorst | What Will be the Dutch Centre-Forward’s Role at United?
- Erik Ten Hag to Keep £50 million Rated Star at Old Trafford Despite Interest From Wolves
- Manchester United Keeping Their Tabs Open On Former Celtic Right-Back
Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1):
David De Gea(GK); Aaron Wan-Bissaka(RB), Lisandro Martinez(CB), Raphael Varane(CB), Luke Shaw(LB); Casemiro (CM), Fred(CM); Anthony Elanga (RW), Alejandro Garnacho(LW), Bruno Fernandes(CAM); Wout Weghorst(ST).
Predicted Score:
Man United 2-0 Nottingham Forest
After the 3-0 drubbing in the first leg of the Carabao Cup, Nottingham Forest will be unlikely to cause an upset in this one with the Man United side expected to defend it out with goals from Weghorst and Rashford towards the end of the game to make it 5-0 on aggregate across both legs.
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