Man U host Burton in Carabao Cup
LONDON: Manchester United open their League Cup defence today by hosting Burton Albion in the third round when the teams in European competitions enter England’s second-tier cup.
It’s a chance for teams, even in the lower leagues, to rotate their squads.
Championship (second-tier) side Burton will be entering fortress Old Trafford where United have scored 10 goals without reply in three Premier League wins so far.
After his team thrashed Everton 4-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, Mourinho said his team must now shift their focus to the League Cup — which has been renamed the Carabao Cup.
“Every match is a different match and the next one, against Burton, who come on the back of an important result against a good team like Fulham,” said the Portuguese manager.
“It will be another difficult match.” United will definitely be without midfielder Paul Pogba who could be out for 12 weeks due to a muscle tear.
Midfielder Ander Herrera is likely to start against Burton.
The Spanish midfielder has made just one Premier League start this season but he has no doubts he remains an important part of Mourinho’s plans.
The Spaniard earned praise last season for his influence on the side as they won the League Cup and Europa League but has lost his spot to Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic this campaign.
Herrera came on as a 77th minute substitute against Everton and stabilised United’s midfield.
“I feel as important as I did last season,” the 28-year-old told said.
Manchester City, who are Premier League joint leaders with United, travel to West Bromwich Albion, while Premier League champions Chelsea entertain Nottingham Forest from the Championship and Arsenal hosts third-tier Doncaster.
Everton will be trying to end their slump when t hey host second-tier Sunderland.