Manchester United will kickoff their Carling Cup defense Wednesday against an unknown adversary – Scunthorpe United. The Red Devils have never played the Championship club in a competitive match, but that will all change come Wednesday. The Irons barely managed to secure their fate in the second division last year, but now find themselves in a mid-table position ahead of United’s visit to Glanford Park.
As with most Carling Cup matches against weaker opponents, I expect Sir Alex to field a young squad in order to get some of his highly-rated prospects some experience in the senior team. That said, I do think there will be one senior figure involved – Michael Owen. The veteran striker has found himself on the fringes of the squad with few chances to prove himself this season. Sir Alex may view this opportunity as an ideal chance to allow Owen to make a case for more minutes in the first team. I am between Chicharito and Federico Macheda to partner him up front, and honestly I’m just not certain which it will be. I’m going to take an educated guess that Kiko will get the nod. I feel the Italian has had fewer opportunities and, thus, Sir Alex will want to give Kiko a chance to prove himself.
The other position to really keep an eye on will be the wingers. With Antonio Valencia sidelined until (at the earliest) February, our young wingers have a golden opportunity and must now force themselves into Sir Alex’s plans. I think Gabriel Obertan will definitely feature, while Park Ji-Sung and Bebe will be contending for the other spot on the wings. Park seems the more logical option to add experience to what is likely to be an inexperienced squad. Park was not included in Sunday’s squad, which could lead to him being involved Wednesday. However, Bebe’s exclusion from the Reserves match on Monday may be an indication of Sir Alex’s intention to use his newest signing against Scunthorpe. The sentimental side of me is picking Bebe to partner Obertan. I want nothing more than to see Bebe to complete his fairy tale story by making it to the senior team. Bebe seemed most effective for the Reserves on the right last week with Obertan on the left; I imagine they’ll do the same in the senior team.
The rest of the squad doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Tomasz Kuszczak will be given another chance in goal after a quiet night against Rangers last week. At the back, I predict Sir Alex will give us a glimpse of the future by fielding Rafael, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, and Fabio. This will be a big match for Rafael in particular as he looks to establish himself as the first-choice right back, a feat I’m surprised he hasn’t already achiever. Evans will also have a lot to prove after a relatively poor start to the season. A solid performance against a weaker side may be enough to instill some confidence in the young defender.
Finally, I suspect the centre pairing in midfield will be Darron Gibson and Anderson; both having something to prove. There is no doubting that Gibson has a venomous long-range shot, but at times it seems to be his only asset to the team. While being able to produce goals from midfield is an aspect our squad needs work in, it’s simply not enough. The Irish midfielder must prove he has more depth to his game or I fear he will not make the grade at Old Trafford. You can’t play in United’s midfield without be able to contribute to the build up play, which Gibson has not shown us yet. Meanwhile, after a promising start to his United career, Anderson has since suffered from a long-term injury and negative headlines. Originally bought as an attacking midfielder, he’s yet to show his goalscoring ability with only one goal in 100 appearances. I firmly believe Anderson will work his way into bigger games this season, but for now he needs to focus on improving his goal output.
I wish I had more input to provide on our opponents, but I honestly cannot recall ever watching Scunthorpe. The Irons will present a brand new challenge to United with the two sides having never met in competitively. I don’t know much about their squad other from what I’ve read, so I’m not sure I could adequately assess the challenge they may present. Here is what I can tell you: Scunthorpe currently sit 15th in the Championship having won 3 and lost 4. Based on this, I feel I can make a relatively educated guess about United’s chances…
United should win this match, and comfortably so. I doubt that we’ll make an early exit to weak opposition as was the case against Coventry City in 2007/08. That said, I have a reasonable prediction of the scoreline, but I have no idea who the goal scorers will be. For the readers’ amusement, though, I will have a go at it. I’m predicting Kiko, Owen, Anderson, and Bebe will all get on the score sheet and our defense will manage to keep a clean sheet. Of course this is a bit optimistic, but I’m hoping Anderson can start producing goals and that Bebe will prove his worth to the doubters. Of course, this means my prediction is…
Prediction: Manchester United 4, Scunthorpe United 0
Discuss this match in the forum.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.
I’ll like to see Wes Brown partnering Smalling at the heart of the defence.
Evans need to be rested and Brown is fit enough to be given the nod.
Kuszczak, Rafael, Smalling, Ferdinand/ Brown, Fabio; Bebe, Anderson, Gibson, Obertan; Owen, Chicharito. subs: Amos, De Laet, Ferdinand/ Brown, C.Evans, Eikrem, Park, Macheda. Be a young team, a strong team of talent busting for a chance to play, i cant see beyond an easy win for United, might be tight at times and we have work for it but im going with a 3-goal margin, Chicharito will get on the score sheet as to owen and Bebe.
Tanimu I want to support your observation. We do need Brown in that defense to bring experience especially when under pressure. As for others how I wish they all featured.
I think if he trained today then Rio may well partner Smalling if he’s fit enough. Otherwise I’d expect it to be Brown. Don’t think Evans needs the game as much as Wes or Rio. Otherwise team pretty spot on. Not sure if Fabio is fit after picking up a knock against Rangers but haven’t heard otherwise.
Some excellent points. Hadn’t considered Rio as playing, but does make sense since he’s still battling back to full form. I considered Wes, but figured he may want to use Evans to get his confidence back against an easier opponent.
Also, I forgot about Fabio’s knock against Rangers. I’m hoping he’ll be fit, but if not De Laet needs some minutes and is a fantastic choice to fill in at the back for Fabio.