Manchester United will kickstart their EFL Cup campaign on Tuesday when they take on League One side Barnsley at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are riding on the back of their 3-0 win over Southampton this past Saturday, their most impressive performance yet in the new season.
Barnsley, meanwhile, suffered their second loss of the 2024-25 League One campaign over the weekend, losing 3-0 away from home to Stevenage.
After a dispiriting 3-0 loss to Liverpool before the international break, Erik ten Hag needed his team to produce a roaring response on the weekend as they stepped into St. Mary's. The Saints were all over the Red Devils in the first half-hour, but once the latter got going, there was no stopping them.
Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho got on the scoresheet for United after Andre Onana managed to save a Cameron Archer penalty with the scoreline at 0-0.
The EFL Cup is the first piece of silverware Ten Hag won at Manchester United, almost a year and a half ago during his debut campaign in England. Given the Dutch coach's expertise in cup competitions, Barnsley will have their work cut out on Tuesday.
The Tykes have already suffered two defeats in the league and are sitting seventh in the League One table.
Barnsley defeated Wigan Athletic on penalties in the first round of the EFL Cup before dispatching Sheffield United in the second. But they will do well to test a talented Manchester United side when they visit Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Manchester United vs Barnsley Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- In 38 meetings between the two sides, Manchester United have been victorious 22 times. Barnsley have won only five while 11 matches have ended in a draw.
- These two sides last locked horns in the fourth round of the 2009-10 EFL Cup. Manchester United picked up a 2-0 win in that game before going on to win the competition that season by beating Aston Villa in the final.
- Manchester United have suffered five losses at the hands of lower-league opposition in the EFL Cup since 2011.
- Barnsley have picked up only one win in their last 18 meetings with Manchester United across all competitions.
Manchester United vs Barnsley Prediction
Ten Hag is expected to rotate his squad and experiment on Tuesday against their League One opponents. But they will still pack enough firepower to see off Barnsley in comfortable fashion and book a place in the fourth round.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Barnsley
Manchester United vs Barnsley Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Manchester United to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Manchester United to keep a clean sheet - Yes