Manchester United vs Charlton AthleticTuesday 10th January 2023 - 8pm Kick-OffLeague Cup Quarter-FinalsIntroductionWell it was quite the early Christmas present from Anthony Hayes wasnt it? - When the draw for the League Cup Fourth Round was made, nearly all Addicks winced at the prospect of Premier League side visiting the Valley, if anyone expected advancement in the competition, it would have been more out of hope than anything - But the Addicks did advance, with a splendid penalty shootout win, their reward is a repeat of the FA Cup Quarter-Final from 1994, and a visit to one of England's greatest Football clubs: Manchester United.
The OppositionName: Manchester United | Manager: Erik ten HagGround: Old TraffordPrevious Round: Man Utd 2-0 BurnleyWhen Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League for the final time in 2012-13, and promptly retired, no one expected the Red Devils to go a whole decade without being crowned League Champions for the twenty-first time - In some ways our opponents this Tuesday evening have trodden a similar path to the Addicks (just without the demise); Managers have come and gone; Moyes, van Gaal, Mourinho and Solskjaer have all tried... all without success, their noisy neighbours appear to have taken all the recent glory.
So Manchester United come into their most important game in years, the League Cup after all is just one of two domestic titles since Ferguson's retirement, and is their most recent coming in 2016-17 - Failure to pick up any trophies this campaign under the impressive ten Hag would be their worst in 48-years... Yet this United team (despite their slow start) have only lost five games all season... Its a daunting task for Charlton, but its equally not impossible.
As for the line-up, well we shall have to wait and see... Man Utd come into this game off the back of an FA Cup victory over Everton, which saw a strong side being played out, albeit what is a bigger competition - ten Hag will no doubt bench Senior players (unless absolutely necessary) what with the Manchester Derby this coming Saturday... the one to watch will possibly be the next young sensation out of Carrington: Alejandro Garnacho, whilst World Cup winner: Lisandro Martinez could also start, having only played 2-minutes for the hosts since returning from Qatar, and will surely be utilised against Manchester City.
Charlton Team NewsCharlton go into this Quarter-Final looking to break what appears a bit of a jinx... 1947 was the last time the Addicks made the Semi-Finals of a cup tournament, and we all know what happened that year - Since then we've had five attempts, yet have failed on each occasion - As for the League Cup, well we've only reached this stage on one occasion, as a Premier League side, losing to League Two opposition.
In terms of availability and we'll be sweating on the fitness of Ashley Maynard-Brewer who once again has concussion, it will be a brutal disappointment, what with it being his heroics against Brighton that ensured this fixture - Elsewhere and Eoghan O'Connell made a welcome return to first action late against Lincoln on the weekend, however this game has perhaps happened a bit too early, and will have to settle for a place on the bench again, as he makes his way back from injury.
MacGillivray
Clare - Inniss - Lavelle - Ness - Sessegnon
Morgan - Dobson
Fraser
Rak-Sakyi - Leaburn
Substitutes Bench: Harness - O'Connell - Chin - Henry - Payne - Stockley - Campbell - Kirk - Blackett-Taylor
Comments
For the younger ones - this is all new. It must feel glamorous seeing your little Charlton playing Man Utd at Old Trafford.
But for those in the 35+ age bracket I wonder if you feel the same as me?
I am excited because it feels like my Charlton are back tomorrow. Playing Man Utd feels like life is back to normal for a little bit. Seeing the match preview … Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic feels normal. That’s what we should be doing. Not dicking around in league one.
I am so excited heading up on Tuesday because it’s what I have always done. Going to see my club at Old Trafford, Anfield, Goodson Park, Villa Park.
would love to see us still in the game with 30 mins left and then really have a go at it.
scoring would be great (as long as we aren’t 5-0 down when we do
just looking forward to a beer with my mates and a decent sing song
1st time in the 70s
That was an interesting day I must say.
2nd time in 94 for the FA Cup quarter final
About ten thousand Addicks there that day.
3 times in the Curbs years all good days out.
I've seen 4 defeats and a nil nil draw.
Not going on Tuesday as my circumstances won't let me but for all the travelling fans especially those going for the first time have a great time and enjoy the occasion.
Fingers crossed we put in a decent performance
Enjoy everyone
COYA.
I've been to Old Trafford four times supporting Charlton.
1st time in 94 for the FA Cup quarter final
About ten thousand Addicks there that day.
3 times in the Curbs years all good days out.
I cannot make it Tuesday due to other commitments but for all the travelling fans especially those going for the first time have a great time and enjoy the occasion. I will be watching on the TV so be with you in spirit
Fingers crossed we put in a decent performance
Enjoy everyone
COYA.
Predict a 7-0 loss...
It's the cup, even though it's unlikely anything can happen.
Yes League one is below our "natural" level, but in reality we're never going to be a fixture in the top flight either. Since 1957, we've spent 12 seasons in the top flight, out of 66.
It looks like we've played there 13 times from the 80's onwards, so I must have been 13 times.
The only victory was the first game in '86.
Mark Stuart winner & big Ron Atkinson got the sack.
That's my heart speaking my head is just hoping we can be slightly competitive. Tan Haag has said he wants to win something this year so I cant see him putting out their kids. If Rashford plays then the best bet of the match must be Innis getting a red card ! Hopefully our players like CBT see this game as a shop window and they will really step up
Of course, their reserves ought to beat us but you never know. Like The Brighton game, it will go straight to pens if a draw at full time. I can't see us holding out though, mind you I couldn't see it against Brighton. I'm trying to talk myself round but sorry, I still can't see it. Hopefully, we gain some confidence from it.
My first time was 94 as a 15 year old. The "set up game" against Bristol City was a night I'll never forget. When my mum told me she had got me and my little brother tickets and we could go on our own. It seemed like months between the two games.
Last time I went to OT to see Charlton was the FA Youth Cup.
Our first premier league game there, ditched the car in Birmingham, train to Crewe, train to Manchester, ticket off a tout. 1-0 up, that upset them. Home about 4am.
This is proper football, this is what it's about. I hope there is another 15 year old that remembers Tuesday night like I do.
I don't care what the score is, even if its just for a day, my Charlton are back.
Enjoy it, drink it in.
Oh and one last thing I would love it, just love it if Leaburn scored in front of the Stretford End.
I don’t think sticking in another centre half from the start is the answer. I hope we stick to 4-4-3, it’s the formation that best suits the players we have. I’m not expecting a result, but if we get one I’ll be ecstatic, I just hope the players leave everything on the pitch and make us proud.
COYA