Team News:
Chris Smalling is unlikely to feature after picking up an injury in the last match while Darmian is also a doubt.
The likes of Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini and Eric Bailly have been completely ruled out of the Christmas fixtures and this surely must worry United.
Ander Herrera, Ashley Young, and Marcos Rojo are one booking away from getting a one-match suspension in the League.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
David de Gea will start the game in goal once again and will be quietly confident of keeping a clean sheet against the generally conservative Clarets.
Marcos Rojo can return to take Smalling’s place on the pitch. Rojo and Phil Jones add up to be a really strong, hard tackling pair and it will be interesting to see how this pairing works at Old Trafford.
Victor Lindelof did a decent job at right back, though he offered almost nothing going forward. His defensive solidity means that Jose would forgive his lack of creativity going forward. Luke Shaw will give Ashley Young a bit of rest as the former Southampton starlet can return to feature in the starting XI.
Midfield:
Nemanja Matic will once again line up in front of the defence and look to thwart any Burnley attempt at a counter. He will also look to join Pogba up the field when they go on the offensive.
Paul Pogba has looked a bit rusty ever since his three-match suspension early this month. But this match might provide him with an opportunity to enjoy more time on the ball and get his rhythm back.
Attack:
Marcus Rashford will use his lively pace and directness to peg back the Burnley defenders early on in the game and tire them out. But he will have to pay special attention to his finishing as there is a huge scope for improvement in that department.
Juan Mata had a delightful game last time as the Spaniard showed his class and calmness both inside and outside of the box. He makes a strong case to start this game. Jesse Lingard has proven to be hardworking and decisive in the opportunities given to him this season. He is likely to start again and will like to atone for his uncharacteristic miss last game.
Finally, Romelu Lukaku had a great game in the weekend, as his interlinking with the other forwards and the hold-up play were amazing. Would hope to continue this now, the big Belgian!
