Rohan Sengupta
Predicted Manchester United Line-up To Face Burnley In The Premier League
After back-to-back late disappointments in Bristol and Leicester, Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Boxing Day to face Burnley in the Premier League. Saturday’s sharing of points at King Power Stadium had Jose Mourinho fuming and the United manager will expect his side to avoid a slip-up against Sean Dyche’s stubborn team.
With the title surrendered to our noisy neighbours Manchester City, United will be hoping to continue their home dominance this season with a win over Burnley, who come into this game on the back of a 3-0 mauling at the hands of Spurs.
Team News
Mourinho has confirmed Antonio Valencia could miss the club’s festive programme with a hamstring injury. Valencia’s deputy at right-back Matteo Darmian is also injured, while Chris Smalling struggled with a groin strain during the 2-2 draw with Leicester, that resulted in Maguire’s goal; meaning our gaffer has to reshuffle his tactics.
Club captain Michael Carrick is not expected to take part in the hectic festive period while Marouane Fellaini’s return still remains doubtful after he strained his knee ligaments. Eric Bailly is definitely out after undergoing ankle surgery.
Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Ashley Young are in danger of getting a one-game suspension if they pick up another booking.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
He wasn’t at fault in either of the goals at Leicester and remains United’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks.
Ashley Young (RB)
Young has performed extremely well in a makeshift left-back role. On Tuesday, he could be starting on the right, given Valencia’s injury.
Phil Jones (CB)
The fit-again England international was disappointing against Leicester but is expected to start against Burnley. Dyche’s side are well-oiled in the attack and so Jones has to be extra-cautious.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
Played as a right-back on Saturday and endured a mixed bag. He could be moved to his original position with Smalling out injured.
Luke Shaw (LB)
The former Southampton starlet has been impressive whenever he has started this season. Shaw will be raring to go against Burnley.
Nemanja Matic (CM)
Matic was solid last game and his dominant presence should set the tone for the match as we look to win against Burnley.
Paul Pogba (CM)
Pogba captained the side against the Foxes and was decent overall. Some of his playmaking was mesmerising, and United should have easily sealed the deal.
Juan Mata (RW)
Mata was at his magical best against Leicester. He levelled with a smart finish before scoring a sumptuous free-kick. The Spaniard would have been frustrated that our side failed to pick up all the points. A sure-shot starter!
Jesse Lingard (CAM)
Lingard could be the focal point of the attack and will have to link up well with the other three attackers.
Anthony Martial (LW)
Martial’s pace and creativity will be quite useful against a seemingly resilient Clarets defence. The Frenchman will have to be at his best to penetrate a back line that has frustrated the best of the teams this season.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
Arguably had his best game in a United shirt, at Leicester. His passing was so crisp and smart but his teammates failed to make the most of it. We will be counting on him to get his name on the scoresheet against Burnley.
