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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Alejandro Garnacho starts as Casemiro returns - Manchester United fans' XI vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester United fans have backed Erik ten Hag to name a strong side for Wednesday evening's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest.

The Reds kick off a week in which they play three times in two different cups, with their FA Cup fourth round tie with Reading sandwiched between both legs against Forest. Following Wednesday's trip to the City Ground, the two teams will meet again at Old Trafford next week as United look to book a place in the final.

With so much riding on the game - Ten Hag has made clear his desire to end a six-year trophy drought in M16 - the Dutchman is expected to name a strong side, although, with just two full days of rest between the game and Sunday's defeat at Arsenal, some changes will likely be made.

ALSO READ: MEN Sport writers pick their XI for Forest

With a strong first leg pivotal to securing a place at Wembley, MEN Sport's readers have urged Ten Hag to go strong.

Goalkeeper - David de Gea

De Gea was benched for both the round of 16 clash with Burnley and the quarter-final win over Charlton, with Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton backed, respectively, but the Spaniard is expected to continue his strong run of league form at the City Ground.

The 32-year-old responded brilliantly to rumours of interest in David Raya by keeping United in the lead against Crystal Palace right up until the 90th minute. His experience will be vital in calming a raucous atmosphere.

Defenders - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia

It will be crucial for Ten Hag to bring in some fresh legs without compromising on experience, and club captain Harry Maguire is the most likely change to come from the Dutchman. The 29-year-old has started two of United's three Carabao Cup games this season and could replace Raphael Varane.

Luke Shaw could also be rested, having played the full 90 minutes at the Emirates. In his place, Tyrell Malacia has been backed to start again, having done so in all three previous games in this competition. Confirmation of Diogo Dalot's omission means Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start at right-back, while Lisandro Martinez keeps his place in the centre.

Midfielders - Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes

Having missed Sunday's trip to Arsenal through suspension, Casemiro will be fully rested with Reds fans backing his return at the City Ground. The 30-year-old has been a vital part of any success this season and fans want to see him back in the middle for a crunch semi-final clash.

And it's experience all-round in the midfield, with the Brazilian flanked by Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.

Forwards - Antony, Wout Weghorst, Alejandro Garnacho

Up front is where United fans feel comfortable bringing in some youth - a nod to the importance of returning to Old Trafford with the foundations of a good result. Alejandro Garnacho has been in scintillating form when called upon this season, his two goals and four assists coming in just 620 minutes of football.

The 18-year-old has been tipped to start alongside Antony and Wout Weghorst, both of whom harbour their own hopes of finding some form in front of goal.

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