Manchester United welcome League Two side Colchester United in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The Red Devils, under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have hit form in recent weeks, managing 2 wins out of their last 3 league games and are now only four points short of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Lower-division side Colchester, meanwhile, have sprung a surprise this season. They had to battle it out through four rounds to get to this stage, with the elimination of Tottenham via penalties being the icing on the cake.
The John McGreal-led side are now ninth in League Two and would be looking for an upset when they meet the Premier League outfit. United are now on an 11-game unbeaten run at home from all competitions while Colchester have won just 2 of their last six away games.
Defenders Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who are both down due to knee injury, are not expected to return to action until January next year.
Meanwhile, the specifics of Argentine Marcos Rojo’s injury have not been made public by United so far but he would return in the last week of December.
Diogo Dalot had been sidelined recently due to a groin strain, however, could feature against Colchester if found fit. Paul Pogba remains ruled out and will start training next week after missing out almost two-and-a-half months of action due to a foot injury.
The seasoned Argentine has been United’s main man in goal for their cup competitions and is sure to start.
United’s most solid performer at the back this season. He has given a hard time for the opposition attackers with his excellent tackling and interceptions.
The young centre-back might feature against the lower division side. He would be keen to get some game time since returning from injury recently.
The experienced centre-back has not yet performed to his own standards but would be given the task of leading the United backline.
The youngster has already featured twice in the cup competition and should be given a chance to prove himself, having impressed recently.
McTominay has shown great maturity and character in the middle for United this season. At the moment, he is their most reliable midfielder in the side.
The Brazilian has started in 2 of United’s 3 Carabao Cup encounters and has started to make his presence felt in recent games.
The Englishman is once again back in Ole’s good books and has appeared in United’s most recent fixtures. He has 1 assist from 2 cup games so far.
His pace on the right flank has been a headache to the opposition defenders this season. However, he needs to improve on his finishing.
The teenager has proven his mettle whenever given an opportunity. He recently rescued United by scoring against Everton to end the game 1-1.
United’s leading goal-scorer in the league and their only consistent performer. He has scored 2 goals in just 1 Carabao cup appearance.
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