Manchester United could do something they haven't done since Erik ten Hag's first season

Manchester United start their League Cup campaign against Barnsley in the third round at Old Trafford tonight.

United have lost twice at this stage in the last six years - to Derby County and West Ham - but ended a trophy drought that had strayed close to six years in the competition under Erik ten Hag in 2023.

Ten Hag made five substitutions in the closing stages of United's emphatic 3-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday. With a tea-time test at Crystal Palace on Saturday, rotation against third-tier Barnsley is inevitable.

Here are five things to look out for tonight:

Ten Hag was burnt from making six changes to the United side for the opening Europa League group game against Real Sociedad in September 2022. United lost 1-0 and finished second in their group, triggering a two-legged play-off with Barcelona in February.

He still made an exception for third tier opponents later that season. There were eight alterations to the starting XI against League One Charlton Athletic in the League Cup.

That quarter-final victory in January 2023 came days before the second Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford. Like that day, United have a four-day wait until their weekend Premier League fixture.

Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo was a risky midfield selection at the weekend but United came through it. Ten Hag would be pushing his luck to retain them on Saturday at Selhurst Park, the last time the pair lined up together before their reunion at Southampton.

READ MORE: United set for Amad contract talks

READ MORE: Amad showed he's the right winger United have been waiting for in one moment

Tonight is an ideal opportunity for Manuel Ugarte to make his full debut. The game will be markedly different at Palace but