Manchester United will host League One opposition when they welcome Barnsley to Old Trafford in the third round of the 2024-25 Carabao Cup.
It presents a welcome draw for Erik ten Hag, who will be keen to harness the maximum depth of his squad throughout a busy domestic and European campaign.
Notably, United’s U21 side has already conquered the Colliers, enjoying a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory in the EFL Trophy.
The champions of two years ago hold aspirations of a notable run in the competition, with the Dutchman not one to scoff at the prospect of silverware.
Old Trafford will welcome a side who last graced the famous field on 14 February 1998 for a highly-contested 1-1 FA Cup draw.
The fixture will be played during the week commencing 16 September, sandwiched between Premier League outings against Southampton and Crystal Palace.
A new-look Carabao Cup
As a result of the new-look format, third-round fixtures are scheduled over two midweeks due to the extended European group stages affecting the calendar.
Additionally, sides participating in the Europa and Champions League competitions could not draw each other at this stage.
United are bidding to become seven-time winners, having first lifted the trophy in 1992 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
Our opponents are not to be underestimated – seeing off Wigan Athletic and Sheffield United to reach this stage.
The statistics behind the fixture
The 20-time English champions have faced the Tykes on 38 occasions since Newton Heath played out a scoreless draw in a Division Two fixture in 1898.
The Reds hold the supreme record with 22 wins, including an Oakwell success in our last encounter in 2009 in the League Cup fourth round.
But, cup competition can return anomalies, and Darrell Clarke’s outfit did just that during their sole Premier League campaign in 1997-98.
Despite enduring relegation, the Yorkshire outfit dumped Fergie’s side out of the FA Cup following a 3-2 fifth-round replay.
It will be interesting to see how many academy players, if any, are given an opportunity – following that memorable Jack Flecther-inspired comeback last week (20 August).
How would you like Ten Hag to manage the squad during the Carabao Cup?
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