Jose Mourinho’s side head to Turf Moor looking to maintain their unbeaten form. After eventually seeing off Anderlecht in extra time, the Red Devils will resume their journey in the league and will hope to close the gap on Manchester City. With a top four finish on their agenda, they’ll be looking for all three points, even without their talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimović.
The Swede left the field on 90 minutes after suffering a horrific knee injury which has ruled him out for the season. Now the onus is on teenage sensation Marcus Rashford, who seems to be peaking at the right time after a drought-laded few months.
The prodigious talent Cruyff-turned his way into the hearts of United fans (the ones who weren’t already dazzled by him, anyway) when he slammed home an extra-time winner against Anderlecht last Thursday.
They face a Burnley side who have collected a staggering 32 points at home this season. To put that into context, that is just seven more than title favourites Chelsea.
United will be hoping they won’t have to endure an afternoon full of missed opportunities and Burnley keeper Tom Heaton thwarting them like he did the last time they met. It was a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, a common theme for United this season.
Team News
United have many players on the treatment table, owing to the busy April schedule which has seen them play 7 games in the month. Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Juan Mata are all out, with the latter facing a test against time to be fit before the end of the campaign. Striker Zlatan Ibrahimović may have played his last game in a United shirt, as he was ruled out for the season by the knee injury sustained on Thursday night, with links hinting a move to MLS never going away.
Here is the predicted line-up for the Burnley clash on Sunday.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea will be back after Sergio Romero took his place in the United goal for the Europa League game, as he done so for the entire campaign. De Gea, however, will be facing a Burnley strike force which has been inconsistent in front of goal. They have averaged just a goal a game in the 33 they have played so far this season.
Defence
Antonio Valencia is in top form and his fitness unquestioned as he takes his place in the right fullback role. United have a host of injuries, and therefore Valencia will not be rested this time around. A first team call up for reserves Captain Axel Tuanzebe is expected, with Mourinho admitting that he may start a few fixtures before he leaves for the U-20 world cup in Korea.
Daley Blind is likely to be given the nod as Eric Bailly has played six full games in a row for United. The Dutchman looks the fresher option with next Friday’s Manchester derby also on José’s mind. Ashley Young is also likely start the game at Turf Moor, and will resume his full-back duty after being rested for Thursday night’s Europa league win.
Midfield
Ander Herrera is back for this clash as he looks for another man of the match performance. He also was rested for Thursday night’s game. Paul Pogba’s fitness will be put to test as he looks set to play another full game. He managed 120 minutes on Thursday.
Veteran Michael Carrick is likely to be rested, with Marouane Fellaini expected to start after coming off the bench on Thursday.
Attack
Wayne Rooney, only fit enough for the bench on Thursday night, will replace the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović. He will most likely be given a free role in attack flanked by the agile Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. The all English front line will have their work cut out against the Burnley defence, with former Manchester United youngster Michael Keane marshalling the Clarets’ rearguard.