Here are the key talking points as Man Utd prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Sancho back in the squad

Manchester United are being careful with the management of Jadon Sancho and tonight looks like the perfect chance for him to return to the squad.

The 22-year-old hasn’t played in over three months and Ten Hag will be looking to bring him back to the pitch at some point, even if not from the start.

Expectations need to be assuaged about the English striker after a long spell out of action, but a role on the bench in a draw United are in control of looks like the best place to start.

It might even be worth including him in the cast just to quell speculation about when he’ll return.

one foot in the end

Erik ten Hag will no doubt warn his team against complacency early on, but deep down he must be very confident of reaching the Wembley final.

United have improved a lot at home this season and even if they make changes wholesale they should have more than enough to protect a three-goal lead.

This is a great opportunity for United to take a risk with their team selection early on and leave some key players on the bench should they be needed.

leading the line

Wout Weghorst has been a pleasant surprise at United so far, but there has to come a time when he’s rested, considering how many games are ahead.

This seems like the right time for him to step down from the team, and with Anthony Martial ready to get involved again, the Frenchman should come back with something to prove.

Ten Hag said his team plays their best football when they have Martial leading the line, and he has another chance to prove that tonight as he continues to fight for his long-term future at the club.

Two full premieres?

United’s squad rotation could lead to two full debuts tonight, with some youngsters expected to play key roles in the match.

Christian Eriksen’s injury has left United depleted in midfield and teenager Kobbie Mainoo could benefit from the setback by climbing the ranks.

The 17-year-old has already surprised the coaches by surpassing Zidane Iqbal in the midfield pecking order and, given the increased playing time he is likely to have, it may be in their best interests to make his full debut.

It’s a similar story for Facundo Pellistri up front. The Uruguayan impressed in his first appearances for United on the bench, but has yet to start.

He is a reserve option for the United squad but, given the busy schedule, it makes sense to rest Antony and give someone else a chance to impress.

between the sticks

Even when United have played second-tier teams this season, David de Gea has often maintained his place in the starting line-up.

The Spaniard has missed just three games for United this season and it was a surprise to see him plaaaaaaay against Reading last weekend when it seemed like a sensible time to rest him.

A place at Wembley may be on the line, but tonight would be another wise time to rotate. If so, it will be interesting to see who gets selected ahead of him, with Jack Butland and Tom Heaton looking forward to being second picks for the rest of the season.

With so many big games coming up, they might not get another chance to play until the summer.