Manchester United vs Barnsley prediction, betting tips and odds: Red Devils to grind out victory

Where to watch Manchester United vs Barnsley 

You can watch Manchester United vs Barnsley in the EFL Cup at 8pm on Tuesday, September 17, live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football

Match prediction & best bet

Manchester United to win to nil
1pt 21-20 BoyleSports

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Manchester United vs Barnsley odds

Manchester United 1-4
Barnsley 12-1
Draw 11-2

Odds correct at time of publishing

Manchester United vs Barnsley predictions

Domestic cup competitions are arguably the reason that Erik Ten Hag is still in the Manchester United hotseat and given the Dutchman still has plenty to prove to his critics, he is unlikely to take the EFL Cup third-round challenge of Barnsley lightly.

Ten Hag guided United to this trophy in 2023 while they were FA Cup winners last season and those have been the two highlights in what has largely been an underwhelming tenure at Old Trafford for the Dutchman.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, the Red Devils claimed three much-needed points at Southampton on Saturday and it is important that they build on that 3-0 success against their League One opponents.

United are likely to ring the changes with a trip to Crystal Palace awaiting them on Saturday but it should still be a side too strong for Barnsley, who were brushed aside 3-0 at Stevenage last time out.

The Tykes upset Sheffield United in the previous round but they have looked defensively suspect in League One this season, keeping only one clean sheet in six outings and conceding nine goals.

The Red Devils should exploit those rearguard frailties and should be buoyed by the fact that they have won six of their last seven EFL Cup ties to nil.

In last season’s FA Cup, United kept clean sheets in victories at Wigan and Nottingham Forest and they are worth backing to win to nil against the Tykes, who may find this challenge a little hotter than they are used to.

Key stat

Both teams have scored in only one of Manchester United’s four matches this season.

Manchester United vs Barnsley team news

Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw are progressing well but are not ready to feature. Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are all sidelined. Manuel Ugarte could be set for his full debut but Lisandro Martinez is a doubt.

Barnsley
Centre-back Donovan Pines suffered concussion at the weekend and misses out alongside midfielder Conor Hourihane. Max Watters and Fabio Jalo are back in contention.

Probable teams

Manchester United (4-3-3): Onana; Dalot; Maguire, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, Ugarte, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho.
Subs: Wheatley, Rashford, Mainoo, Diallo, Eriksen, Fernandes, De Ligt, Mazraoui.

Barnsley (4-1-4-1): Slonina; De Gevigney, Roberts, Pines, Earl; Craig; Cotter, Phillips, Connell, Keillor-Dunn; Humphreys.
Subs: Lofthouse, Jalo, O'Keeffe, Cosgrove, Benson, Marsh, Gent, Watters.

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