Manchester United are back in action on Tuesday evening as Erik ten Hag eyes a first semi-final with his new side, with League One outfit Charlton Athletic standing in their way.
The quarter-final is played at Old Trafford and Ten Hag has finally opted to rotate his side, having previously been reluctant to do so in the domestic cups.
The hectic schedule after the World Cup would eventually catch up with the Dutchman and it looks like he has accepted that he cannot keep playing the same 11 players.
A host of of changes was made for the game, with Lisandro Martinez among those to be returning to the side for the first time since the World Cup break.
Tom Heaton is handed a rare start whilst young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will be making his first-team debut. The 17-year-old was part of the mid-season training camp in December and scored in the friendly against Cadiz.
Anthony Elanga has also been given the chance to impress and speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag has opened up on the reasonings behind some of his decisions tonight.
“The first thing you mentioned is most important, win this game, get into the next round. You want to go into the semi-final so it is a big game,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website.
“For all of us it is a big game. And for him [Kobbie Mainoo], it is a great opportunity. He did well at the winter camp in Spain, he did very well against Everton in the friendly, so he deserved to play. So, I am happy to give him the opportunity, but it is about deserving [the chance].
“You have to step up. I think we have a strong team today and it is Licha’s first time back. And now he has had some good training sessions so he will be ready for this game.”
