Varun Pai
Team News: Manchester United will be without key trio against Burnley
According to the club’s official website, Manchester United shall be without three key players for the clash against Burnley on Thursday due to injury concerns and suspension issues.
The Red Devils could only pick up a point against the Toon Army on Monday but shall be hoping to bounce back on Thursday night against the Clarets. There was a lack of tenacity and drive against the Magpies, not to mention the countless turnover of the ball.
Ralf Rangnick would be hoping for a response from his side in mid-week, but he will not have three key players for the clash. Victor Lindelof tested positive for Covid-19 before the Newcastle game and shall be unavailable to face Sean Dyche and co. Paul Pogba will also continue to be out with an injury.
The Frenchman has been unavailable due to a thigh issue since the start of November, and it remains to be seen when he returns to action. Bruno Fernandes will also not be able to face Burnley as he shall be serving a one-match suspension after picking up his 5th yellow card of the season in the draw against the Geordies. Rangnick would also be concerned that Scott McTominay was feeling a little discomfort minutes before being substituted on Monday.
Lack of creativity?
The injury to Pogba in November has hindered our creative influx in the past two months. Fernandes has had to act as the chief creator, and the Portuguese international did a good job of it. However, his absence on Thursday night could spell a creative block for us.
Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford have a lot of talent on the ball but are better at finishing off chances rather than creating them. Jadon Sancho is an able creator but has been off the paces in recent weeks. Thus, Donny van de Beek could be used on Thursday to pull the strings behind the frontline.
Moreover, Man United can take solace in the fact that Burnley also have their fair share of injury concerns. Maxwell Cornet, Ashley Barnes, Conor Roberts, and Dale Stephens could be out for the clash. Cornet, however, could apparently have an ‘outside chance’ to face us.
More Manchester United News
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- Journalist claims Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic not keen on Arsenal move amidst Manchester United interest
Thus, with the Lancashire-based side unlikely to field their strongest XI, Man United need to win this game comfortably. The Top four race is heating up with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur going hammer and tong for it. We need to join the duo soon before we are left by the wayside.
