Manchester United vs Barnsley Predictions

• Both teams have scored in four of Man Utd’s last five domestic cup matches, three of which were won within 90 minutes
• Both teams have scored in three of Barnsley’s last four Carabao Cup ties, none of which were won within 90 minutes
• Marcus Rashford has scored in six of his last seven Carabao Cup appearances at a rate of one goal every 66 minutes

Tykes can take United the distance 

Barnsley are unlikely to be humbled when the League One side visit Old Trafford on Tuesday to take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round. Darrell Clarke’s side endured a bad day at the office on Saturday as they lost 3-0 at Stevenage and will surely be up for the game at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Tykes are just outside the playoff places in League One and had won three consecutive matches prior to their capitulation at Lamex Stadium, which makes the result even more surprising. They are strong in the middle of the park with Tottenham loanee Matthew Craig sitting alongside tireless workers Adam Philips and Luca Connell, which could cause United a few problems.

Erik ten Hag is likely to rest a few players anyway with some big Premier League and European games on the horizon and you wonder how much of a priority this competition will be to the Red Devils, who have to qualify for the Champions League next season.

United have had their fair share of embarrassments

United may have won it two seasons ago, but they have had their fair share of recent letdowns in the competition too, such as exits to Championship clubs Derby, Middlesbrough and Sunderland plus a famous 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Milton Keynes Dons. And a team featuring four 2018 World Cup players, including winner Paul Pogba, were taken to penalties by lowly Rochdale in 2019 after a 1-1 draw.

Ten Hag’s squad depth is already being tested by injuries in both full-back positions, central defence and up front, so a few youngsters are likely to feature in the clash.

That said, the Dutchman may want to give Marcus Rashford some more minutes off the bench after he visibly grew in confidence following his goal in a 3-0 win at Southampton on Saturday. Rashford has a terrific goalscoring record in this competition and could be a key factor when coming on fresh against tired defenders in the second half.