The Manchester United Lineup That Should Start Against Brighton
By George Cannon
Just days after Manchester United played out a classic Premier League encounter with Brighton at the Amex Stadium, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side return to the south coast in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The Red Devils were let off the hook for another disappointing display at the start of the new season with Bruno Fernandes' penalty which was seen and awarded by VAR after the final whistle.
Key players such as Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial will likely be rested for Wednesday's clash due to the congested fixture schedule, but that will give several fringe stars the chance to impress.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Dean Henderson (GK) - After impressing in a two-year loan spell at Sheffield United, the highly-rated shot-stopper has returned to Old Trafford in order to fight for his place as Manchester United's number one. It looks as though he'll be restricted to cup competitions initially, and the 23-year-old will be keen to impress at every opportunity.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah (RB) - With Diogo Dalot strongly linked with a loan move away from Manchester, Fosu-Mensah is likely to deputise for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Solskjaer changes his team up.
Eric Bailly (CB) - United have long been linked with a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire after Victor Lindelof's struggles continue but, some fans believe the solution may already be within the club. Bailly has generally impressed when he's played but staying fit is his real issue.
Harry Maguire (CB) - The England international played the most amount of games for the Red Devils last season, and with Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe out injured, the captain will surely feature in mid-week.
Brandon Williams (LB) - Luke Shaw's fitness troubles mean he can't play every match, and 20-year-old academy graduate Brandon Williams is a capable deputy. He started against Luton and is expected to keep his place in Solskjaer's cup side.
Midfielders
Nemanja Matic (DM) - Although the Serbian midfielder is 32 years old and played 90 minutes at the weekend, United look a much more assured outfit with him in the side, and Solskjaer may be tempted to pick him once again.
Fred (CM) - The Brazilian has yet to start in the league but did feature from the off in the last round against Luton. With Pogba and Fernandes currently ahead of him in the pecking order, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will have to be satisfied with cup appearances for the time being.
Donny van de Beek (CM) - United's only summer signing so far is expected to make his second start for the club on the south coast in mid-week. He's yet to make his full Premier League but has impressed when given the chance, and the clubs supporters will be eager to watch more of their £35m Dutchman.
Forwards
Jesse Lingard (RW) - When Juan Mata plays out-wide United lose a lot of pace and dynamism that's key to how they like to play. Lingard offers this in the absence of Rashford and Martial, and Wednesday could be a perfect opportunity for him to start to rediscover his best form. It may be now or never for the 27-year-old as the Old Trafford clear-out intensifies.
Odion Ighalo (ST) - The on-loan striker looked far from his best against Luton but will continue to deputise for Martial up-front with United's prioritise lying elsewhere in this congested campaign.
Dan James (LW) - He's come under heavy criticism for his form, and deservedly so, but he's played the majority of his football for United on the right-hand side of the front-three. The Welshman is more comfortable and threatening on the opposite flank when he's able to cut in and unleash a strike on goal with his stronger right foot. Wednesday would be the ideal time to showcase his true potential when played in his favoured position.