Manchester United are finally starting to look like a vintage Manchester United that Sir Alex Ferguson would have been proud of.
It has only taken five permanent managers and nearly 10 years to get it right.
But getting it right is exactly what Erik ten Hag is doing and he will see the FA Cup, alongside the Carabao Cup and Europa League, as a perfect chance to end a six-year trophy drought for the club.
That starts here with a third round tie against Everton, where there will be a fine balance to settle on between rotation without overzealous tinkering.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
GK: David de Gea - This one could have been a game for Martin Dubravka, but he is now back at Newcastle after being recalled. United are in the process of signing Jack Butland to replace him,
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - The competition for his place that he didn't have for so long has seen a different player return to the side following recovery from injury.
CB: Victor Lindelof - Rest for Raphael Varane could present a chance for the Swede to come in. He has started all but one cup game - both domestic and in Europe - so far this season.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - Given a rapturous welcome at Old Trafford in midweek following his return from the World Cup. Played only a few minutes then and could get much more here.
LB: Tyrell Malacia - Luke Shaw put in impressive shifts at centre-back recently and probably deserves a rest after the World Cup. Malacia did well against Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
CM: Scott McTominay - Back on the bench against Bournemouth and previously performed well against Burnely in the Carabao Cup shortly before Christmas.
CM: Fred - Mostly a bit-part player this season, but the arrival of fellow countryman Casemiro has actually taken a lot of pressure off him and it has helped.
RW: Marcus Rashford - It makes no sense drop a player who has scored in four successive games since returning from the World Cup. He will want to play.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - Famously allergic to rest. Even though his goal numbers are down from a 2020/21 peak, he thinks he is playing some of his best football in a United shirt now.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho - United are reported to have blocked a call-up for the upcoming Under-20 South American Championship, suggesting there are big plans for him in the next few weeks.
ST: Anthony Martial - Early withdrawal on Tuesday is not thought to be anything to worry about and he will hope to back among the goals here. Ten Hag is really keen for him to
Source : 90min