Manchester United will host third-tier Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The Red Devils have been nothing short of a revelation since the start of club football in December, winning all five domestic games by an overall score of 12-1.
Erik ten Hag’s team defeated Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup third round on Friday thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony, as well as Conor Coady’s own goal.
The Red Devils also performed admirably in their first Carabao Cup match, with goals from Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford. In the previous round, they defeated Championship front-runners Burnley by a 2-0 scoreline.
Charlton stole the show in the previous Carabao Cup match, where Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion were held without a goal before being eliminated on penalties.
While Dean Holden’s team has been going through a rough patch of form in three League One games (W1, D1, L1), they come into this game off a 3-1 victory against Portsmouth. The possibility of the Addicks reaching the Carabao Cup semifinals for the first time puts them on the verge of making history, but it will need a fantastic performance from the visitors at the Theatre of Dreams.
United may rest some of their first-team players for this match as they aim to secure their place in the Premier League top-four race.
Nevertheless, given that they have won four of their previous five quarterfinal games, don’t expect the Red Devils to give up on their chances of winning the Carabao Cup title for the first time since 2016–17.
Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic: Head To Head Record
United has won its last ten head-to-head meetings in all competitions against Charlton, which is their longest winning streak against a particular side. In their lone previous Carabao Cup match, United defeated Charlton by a huge 5-1 scoreline.
Even though this is Charlton’s first competitive meeting against United, they will be concerned by a particular statistic. They only have one win in their last 25 games against the Red Devils (D3, L21).
Given that they have only scored three goals in their four Carabao Cup matches this season, Charlton’s ability to hold off United’s powerful frontline will be crucial if they are to have any chance of surprising the odds at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s form in all competitions (past five games): W, W, W, W, W
Charlton Athletic form in all competitions (past five games): W, D, L, W, W
Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic: Team News
United’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes will be absent due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the competition, leaving Ten Hag with fewer options in the middle of the field while Donny van de Beek waits for word on his knee injury from the Bournemouth match.
Center-back Axel Tuanzebe is currently recovering from an unidentified long-term injury. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is also absent as he continues his individual programme.
Loan signing Jack Butland is qualified to make his debut against Charlton since his parent club, Crystal Palace, has not participated in the competition this season. Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga, and Fred might get opportunities to shine right away in a new-looking starting lineup with Manchester City waiting for them in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic: Our Prediction
The Red Devils have been in fine form as they have secured five consecutive victories since the conclusion of the World Cup, whereas Charlton’s previous performances doesn’t give them much confidence, with Holden’s team losing four straight away games prior to their victory against Portsmouth.
With all due respect to Charlton’s superb defensive performances against Brighton in the last Carabao Cup round, they’ll need something remarkable to defeat the Red Devils.
In three of their past four competitive games, Ten Hag’s men have scored exactly three goals in all those matches. Hence, they would be the favourites to win this contest against the third-tier side.
Our Scoreline: Manchester United 2-0 Charlton Athletic
