We simulated Manchester United vs Barnsley to predict Carabao Cup clash

Manchester United kick-off their Carabao Cup campaign later today when they welcome Barnsley to Old Trafford in the third round of the competition.

After heading into the international break on the back of a 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool, United bounced back in style on the weekend, with goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho securing a 3-0 win against Southampton in the Premier League. The first round of Champions League games takes place this week, but with United in Europa League action next week, they face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup today.

Barnsley currently sit seventh in League One, with Darrell Clarke's side entering the clash with United having lost 3-0 to Stevenage on the weekend. United failed to defend the Carabao Cup trophy last season as they lost 3-0 to Newcastle United in the fourth round.

So, how could United fare against Liverpool this weekend? Let's take a look.

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To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions, however, as we're still using EA FC 24, last season's kits will be used while the squad numbers may not be accurate.

We predict that United could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Bayindir; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Amass; Ugarte, Fernandes, Collyer; Antony, Zirkzee, Garnacho.

We predict that Barnsley could line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Slonina; Gevigney, Pines, Roberts; Cotter, Connell, Craig, Earl; Phillips; Cosgrove, Watters.

United dominated the opening stages of the game, and