Manchester United are back in action at home to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup this evening, with the Red Devils hoping for a relatively smooth second-leg outing after having all but confirmed their place at Wembley a week ago.

That 3-0 triumph at the City Ground - which was followed by another convincing win over Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday - has ensured that Erik ten Hag's side are firmly in control of proceedings heading into tonight's clash at Old Trafford, with the visitors needing a minor miracle if they are set to set up a final showdown with Newcastle United later this month.

While the former Ajax boss has typically resisted the temptation to shuffle his pack in both domestic and European cup competitions so far this season, the club's handsome advantage in the tie may well allow the Dutchman the opportunity to rotate some of his leading figures.

The 52-year-old may also have learned lessons from Christian Eriksen's recent injury blow, with the Danish maestro set to be out of action over the next few months after being forced off against the Royals, with it having arguably been a game which the 30-year-old could well have been rested for.

With United hoping to avoid a repeat of needlessly losing a key asset against Steve Cooper's men, Ten Hag would be wise to hand the likes of Marcus Rashford a well-earned rest, with the Premier League outfit having a handful of attacking options waiting in the wings.

There will undoubtedly be clamour for Jadon Sancho to make his return from the start following the 22-year-old's lengthy spell away from the first team, although despite the former Borussia Dortmund man - as well as fellow forward Anthony Martial - being available for selection, there may be another attacking talent who is more deserving of a starting berth.

Instead of Sancho - who hasn't featured since the draw with Chelsea back in October - it could well be teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho who can take on Rashford's role on the left flank, with the 18-year-old having more than warranted an inclusion amid his remarkable rise in recent months.

The Argentine speedster - who has been described as a "generational" talent by Statman Dave - already has two goals and five assists to his name at senior level this season, including two assists in just four League Cup outings thus far.

The "entertaining" gem - as lauded by club legend Paul Scholes - has emerged as the new poster boy for the Manchester outfit so far this season, routinely captivating the crowd with his directness and dynamism from the flanks.

With a talent that is akin to a "young Cristiano [Ronaldo]" - according to Scholes - the former Atletico Madrid youth product appears a player destined for greatness in the years to come, but also someone who can make the difference in the short-term.

The fleet-footed "game-changer" - as described by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst - has already showcased his importance as an impact player off the bench of late, memorably providing the assist for Rashford's winner in the derby last month.

The aim now will be for the 5 foot 11 wizard to truly perform over a consistent, 90-minute display, rather than in mere flashes, hence the need for Ten Hag to unleash Garnacho from the start this evening.