Having struggled to start the new Premier League campaign positively, Manchester United hope to qualify for the Third Round of the Capital One Cup.
The reds travel to Milton Keynes where they take on MK Dons from League One. Since they failed to qualify for Europe last season, United entered the competition at the Second Round stage. It is believed at over 6k away fans have made the trip.
Both teams go into the fixture on the back of draws in their domestic leagues. MK Dons and Coventry finished 0-0 at the weekend and United’s goal lead over Sunderland didn’t last very long.
Louis van Gaal has Jonny Evans returning to the squad after being absent through injury. Then there are youngsters touted to get the nod for some additional first-team experience in the cup.
Predicted XI: Amos; Smalling, Evans, Blackett; Janko, Anderson, Cleverley, James; Kagawa; Januzaj, Welbeck.
If that is the team Van Gaal selects, it should be interesting to see how far Janko and James are off the first-team. The new boss often speaks about his philsophy and trust in youth, therefore, I think we will see it more so in the League Cup.
Then you have players such as Anderson, Cleverley, Kagawa and Welbeck who should be playing for their Manchester United careers. The wages some are being paid could be reconsidered, especially if there are plans to make more signings.
Scoreline prediction: MK Dons 0-3 Manchester United
