Confirmed: United line-up to face Forest

Wednesday 25 January 2023 19:00

Erik ten Hag has named his starting XI for Manchester United's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg away to Nottingham Forest.

Steve Cooper's side host United at The City Ground this evening (Wednesday), with the second leg taking place at Old Trafford next week.

Despite using Martin Dubravka - now back at Newcastle United - and Tom Heaton in goal in the previous rounds, Ten Hag has opted to reinstate David De Gea between the sticks for the Reds.

Victor Lindelof partners Lisandro Martinez at the heart of our defence while there is a change in midfield too, with Casemriro returning after serving his one-match suspension for the narrow 3-2 loss at Arsenal on Sunday.

Erik explains Shaw's absence Video

Erik explains Shaw's absence

Erik ten Hag tells us why Luke Shaw is not in the matchday squad for tonight's game against Nottingham Forest...

Scott McTominay, who replaced the Brazilian against the Gunners, is on the substitutes' bench, which also features youngsters Brandon Williams, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri.

Tyrell Malacia starts at left-back in place of Luke Shaw, who is not in the matchday squad. Before the match, in an interview with Sky Sports, Erik said Luke was out through "illness."

When pressed on whether the in-form defender will be back for Saturday's clash with Reading, he responded: "[It's] difficult to say. We have to wait and see what develops from this."

UNITED LINE-UP

United: 
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes (c), Rashford; Weghorst.

Subs: Heaton, Varane, Williams, Fred, Mainoo, McTominay, Elanga, Garnacho, Pellistri.

FOREST'S STARTING XI

Cooper makes four changes from the side which drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on Saturday, with Sam Surridge coming in for loan signing Chris Wood, who is cup-tied after playing in the competition for parent club Newcastle.

New signing Danilo comes in, as do Gustavo Scarpa and Scott McKenna. United Academy graduate Jesse Lingard is among the substitutes for the home side.

Forest: Hennessey, Aurier, Worrall, McKenna, Lodi, Danilo, Freuler, Scarpa, Gibbs-White, Johnson, Surridge.

Subs: Smith, Cook, Mangala, Williams, Colback, Lingard, O'Brien, Dennis, Boly.

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