Erik ten Hag Could Hand Three Manchester United Stars Their Debuts Against Crystal Palace
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could hand three of his stars their debuts in the League Cup clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday. United begin their defence of the trophy at home to Roy Hodgson’s side, who are back at Old Trafford for the Premier League meeting between the two sides on Saturday.
Ten Hag is expected to make some changes to his side, having been hamstrung by a number of injuries in recent weeks with Mason Mount in the frame to return having been ruled out since late August. Sofyan Amrabat, who joined the club on loan from Fiorentina during the final day of the summer transfer window, made a late cameo off the bench in the 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday and is in line for a full debut against Palace with Casemiro among those who could be rested having started all seven of United’s matches this season.
Altay Bayindir Could Make His Debut
Ten Hag could also use tonight’s fixture as an opportunity to hand a first appearance to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The Cameroon international joined United from Fenerbache during the summer transfer window to serve as Andre Onana’s understudy and could miss as many as seven games for United in the New Year should his country progress well in the Africa Cup of Nations with ten Hag likely to be keen for Bayindir to get some game time before then.
Dan Gore and Alejandro Garnacho Could Also Feature
Dan Gore is another who could be in line for his first-team debut. The 19-year-old midfielder has been named on the bench in United’s last five games and could follow Hannibal Mejbri in being handed a first-team role, with the Tunisia international impressing against Burnley at the weekend.
In other possible changes, Alejandro Garnacho will hope for a runout against Palace. The Argentina international started United’s first two games of the season but has managed just 12 minutes across three substitute appearances since the defeat to Tottenham.
Conclusion
Tuesday’s League Cup clash with Crystal Palace could be a great opportunity for Erik ten Hag to rotate his side and give some of his stars their debuts. Ten Hag could hand first appearances to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, midfielder Dan Gore and Alejandro Garnacho. It will be interesting to see how these players perform and if they can make an impact on the team.
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