Manchester United face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils are virtually through to the final after beating Forest 3-0 in the first leg.
They will face either Southampton or Newcastle United in the final, assuming Forest do not pull off an improbable comeback.
The month of February will be highly congested for Man United as they are scheduled to play eight games.
This fixture against Steve Cooper’s side allows Erik ten Hag to ring a few changes and rest a few regulars.
Here are the three players we think should feature in United’s first XI.
Harry Maguire
United club captain has been a fringe player under Ten Hag. He impressed everyone in the England shirt at the Qatar World Cup, but that was not enough to oust Raphael Varane or Lisandro Martinez from the team.
Ten Hag gave him a go-ahead against Reading in the FA Cup, and his fine performance helped United to progress to the next round.
He should keep his spot against Forest. This will help Varane get additional rest ahead of their Premier League clashes with Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Scott McTominay
Christian Eriksen’s injury will alert Ten Hag that if he does not shuffle his squad, he might lose key players to injuries.
One player he cannot afford to lose is Casemiro. His suspension against Arsenal meant United had no control in the midfield, ultimately losing the game 3-2.
This is their only defeat post-World Cup. Scott McTominay, if fit, should replace the Brazilian.
With a three-goal cushion, McTominay can perform the number six role against Forest.
However, the more important question is who should he start along at the centre of the park – Fred, Zidane Iqbal or Kobbie Mainoo?
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho is enjoying a breakthrough season at Man United. He was getting directly involved in goals just before club football went into a temporary hiatus in November and December.
He has seen opportunities come majorly as a substitute in the past few games. Against Forest, Marcus Rashford should be given a well-deserved rest.
Garnacho will be free to take on defenders from the start and get some great first-team experience under his belt.
The 18-year-old has a bright future ahead of him, and games like these will only help him to unlock his potential.
