Manchester United will be bidding to make it back-to-back Premier League wins on Saturday when they welcome Vincent Kompany’s Burnley to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s men will enter the contest off the back of a 4-2 home victory over basement club Sheffield United on Wednesday evening, with Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes (brace) and Rasmus Hojlund getting on the scoresheet. The win against Sheffield United and Newcastle United’s defeat to Crystal Palace on the same night helped the Red Devils return to sixth spot in the Premier League standings and close in on Europa League qualification.
Having ended a four-game winless run in the league in midweek, Erik ten Hag and Co must be keen to build on it but face a tricky Burnley side fighting for their lives in the top flight.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Mason Mount, who has missed the last two games with an unspecified problem, will be back in the squad for the visit of Burnley. Sofyan Amrabat gave the Dutchman’s team a boost by returning to the squad in midweek and coming off the bench in added time against Sheffield United.
However, the club still has plenty of injury issues, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Willy Kambwala, Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford all expected to miss out once again.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana was at fault for Sheffield United’s opener in the first half as he passed straight to Jayden Bogle, who scored. The Cameroonian will be bent to redeem himself against Burnley by keeping a clean sheet.
Defence
Due to an ongoing defensive crisis, Casemiro should continue partnering with Harry Maguire in central defence. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be the full-backs, trying to make valuable contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Man United have failed to register a clean sheet in their last seven games across all competitions, so the back four must stay focused and disciplined to keep one against Burnley at the weekend.
Midfield
Due to a quick turnaround, Ten Hag could make a couple of changes to his starting XI. Scott McTominay, who was a doubt for the Sheffield United game, could come into midfield as a replacement for Christian Eriksen. He will line up alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the hosts’ engine room, tasked with controlling possession and the flow of the game.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes will be looking to build on his excellent form of late, having inspired his team to a victory over the Blades with two goals and an assist. He is a sure-shot starter in the No.10 role. Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen are likely to remain on the bench for the first whistle.
Attack
Amad Diallo is pushing for a start in attack, as Antony failed to make an impact on Wednesday. With Marcus Rashford doubtful again, Alejandro Garnacho should keep hold of his spot on the left flank. Rasmus Hojlund ended his mini-goal drought against Sheffield, and the big Dane will be aiming to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Mason Mount, Omari Forson and Antony will hope to get minutes off the bench, while academy star Ethan Wheatley could feature again after being handed his first-team debut in the 4-2 win over Chris Wilder’s side in midweek.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
