How Manchester United could line up against Reading

A strong Red Devils side came away with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and while one eye is sure to be on next week's second leg, Ten Hag is set to make changes to his starting lineup against Championship outfit Reading.

Man United will still be without Donny van de Beek (knee), Axel Tuanzebe (back) and Jadon Sancho (fitness), while Diogo Dalot (hamstring), Anthony Martial (leg) and Luke Shaw (illness) are all doubtful.

Harry Maguire missed the win over Forest due to suspension, but the United skipper could return to the first XI on Saturday to start at centre-back alongside either Lisandro Martinez or Victor Lindelof.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia will likely retain their places at full-back if both Dalot and Shaw are not deemed fully fit to start, while goalkeeper David de Gea could be handed a rest, with Tom Heaton and January loan signing Jack Butland available for selection.

Ten Hag may decide to name a similar midfield that began in the EFL Cup against Charlton Athletic earlier this month, which would see Scott McTominay, Fred and 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo all line up in the middle of the pitch, allowing Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes to be rested.

In-form attacker Marcus Rashford and summer signing Antony could also make way from the first XI, with Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri all vying for a starting spot on the flanks.

Wout Weghorst scored his first Man United goal in midweek and the Dutchman could retain his place as the central striker if Martial is not deemed fit to start.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia; McTominay, Fred, Mainoo; Elanga, Weghorst, Garnacho