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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made eight changes from the team that thrashed Southampton last weekend and still proved to be too much for Barnsley to handle, handing out a 7-0 battering to the League One side on Tuesday.
Apart from progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup, what will please Erik ten Hag most about the result was the fact that he managed to hand a few players some much-needed rest ahead of an intense period coming up.
The Red Devils are slated to play six games in 17 days, including both league and cup fixtures, and it will be crucial for the team to try and avoid any unnecessary injuries after the club suffered big time last season as a result of the same.
One player who did not enter the pitch is Kobbie Mainoo, with the England international not getting a moment’s breather for both club and country ever since his breakthrough last term.
Mainoo needs a breather
He has missed just six minutes of league action this term and was a constant presence in England’s engine room during their run to the Euro final in the summer.
As per Givemesport, the 20-time English league champions are keen to avoid the academy graduate from suffering burnout this early in his career.
He is considered to be a crucial member of Ten Hag’s squad and with Manuel Ugarte now in the team, the Dutch boss can afford to hand the Englishman a break from time to time.
With Christian Eriksen impressing and Mason Mount close to a return, Ten Hag can afford to rotate in a few games.
“GIVEMESPORT sources state that United are cautious over Mainoo’s game time for the coming weeks, and they could begin to rotate him more frequently in order to keep his legs fresh.
“Sources have stated that the signing of Manuel Ugarte will be Mainoo’s primary midfield partner, but their added depth means that it is now easier to rest their starboy – with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro also in their ranks and Mason Mount once he returns from injury.
United to monitor Mainoo’s minutes
“There will be balance across the quintet, and this will be carefully managed by United, who aim to cut down on injury woes by having ideal combinations readily available for all competitions.”
On Tuesday, Ten Hag teamed the new Uruguayan recruit with Casemiro while playing Christian Eriksen in an advanced role which allowed Bruno Fernandes a break as well.
As Barcelona have learned from their handling of Pedri a few years back, it is imperative that up and coming stars get rest or it might lead to numerous injuries and ultimately stunt their development.
Mainoo is a key cog in United’s midfield and having him firing on all cylinders will be crucial if Ten Hag is to rescue his job and ensure the club finishes among the Premier League’s top four this time out.
Feature image Glyn Kirk via Getty Images
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