A place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup is at stake as Manchester United and Barnsley go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 17 September. View our free Man Utd vs Barnsley predictions below.
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Man Utd vs Barnsley predictions: A high-scoring affair
Key stats
- At least three goals were scored in six of Manchester United's last eight games.
- Six of Barnsley's last seven matches went above the 2.5-goal threshold.
- Barnsley have won just once against Manchester United in the last 100 years.
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in 15 of Barnsley’s last 18 away matches across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Man Utd 3-1 Barnsley
To be fair, Barnsley have put up some solid performances in recent weeks, winning three of their last four matches. However, while the Colliers ply their trade in League One, they are up against Premier League opposition. On that note, we are predicting a comfortable victory for Manchester United.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Red Devils are overwhelming favourites
- HOME:2/7 (1.29) – 77.8%
- DRAW:19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- AWAY:9/1 (10) – 10%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
After suffering back-to-back defeats, Manchester United bounced back with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Southampton last weekend. Erik ten Hag's troops will look to string together consecutive wins for the first time this season as they host a team that is two tiers below them in the English Football League.
With that in mind, Man Utd are the expected winners at 2/7 (1.29). Teams with these odds usually have a 77.8% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Man Utd vs Barnsley predictions.
It is also fair to point out that Barnsley opened the scoring in six of their last seven matches. Given that Manchester United conceded first in two of their last three games, Barnsley to score first has an appealing look at 16/5 (4.20). That one has a 23.8% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: First encounter in 15 years
The most recent encounter between Manchester United and Barnsley was an EFL Cup game in October 2009. The Red Devils have lost just once to Barnsley in the last century.
Man Utd preview: Eyeing back-to-back wins for the first time this season
Manchester United have a long list of absentees, with the likes of Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia sidelined due to injuries.
Predicted lineup: Onana (GK), De Ligt, Dalot, Evans, Maguire, Mainoo, Eriksen, Garnacho, Fernandes Diallo & Rashford.
England Premier League 11/05/25
L
West Ham
2
Man Utd
0
UEFA Europa League 08/05/25
W
Athletic Bilbao
1
Man Utd
4
England Premier League 04/05/25
L
Brentford
4
Man Utd
3
UEFA Europa League 01/05/25
W
Athletic Bilbao
0
Man Utd
3
England Premier League 27/04/25
D
Bournemouth
1
Man Utd
1
Barnsley preview: Sights set on their biggest win in over a decade
Barnsley have no wins against Premier League opposition in over 10 years. They came close in an August 2015 EFL Cup match, but ultimately lost to Everton after extra time.
Donovan Pines is expected to miss this encounter after picking up an injury in last weekend's defeat at Stevenage.
Predicted lineup: Slonina (GK), Earl, Roberts, O'Keeffe, Gevigney, Craig, Keillor-Dunn, Connell, Phillips, Cotter & Cosgrove.
England League 1 03/05/25
W
Reading
2
Barnsley
4
England League 1 26/04/25
L
Shrewsbury
2
Barnsley
1
England League 1 21/04/25
D
Peterborough
1
Barnsley
1
England League 1 18/04/25
L
Leyton Orient
4
Barnsley
3
England League 1 12/04/25
W
Bolton
1
Barnsley
4
Player to watch: Adam Phillips
Adam Phillips has put in some solid performances for Barnsley in recent weeks, with five direct goal involvements in his last five appearances for the club. The former Burnley midfielder will be called upon to provide the goals as Barnsley make the trip to Old Trafford.