Manchester United have endured a difficult start to the new season as Jose Mourinho’s men have been defeated twice in the first three matches including a 0-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. United desperately need to gain some winning momentum ahead of the international break and hence some changes could be expected from the side that lost to Mauricio Pochettino’s team last Monday.
Team News
Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot have returned to first-team training after recovering from their respective injuries. In fact, Rojo could be in line for selection for the game against Burnley too. Phil Jones limped off in the second half against Spurs, and hence the Englishman will surely miss the match against the Clarets.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP VS BURNLEY (4-3-3)
Defence
David de Gea will be the undisputed starter for United, whilst Lee Grant will be his backup on the bench.
Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw could play as fullbacks in this match, and Shaw will be keen to continue his tremendous run of form. The former Southampton man was United’s best performer against Spurs and certainly seems to be impressing Mourinho with his gritty, inspiring performances.
Chris Smalling was relatively better than the other defenders in the match against Spurs, and hence he could hold on to his place. Eric Bailly will partner him at the core of the backline, as Victor Lindelof’s tendency to struggle against physically dominant oppositions would refrain Mourinho from picking him against Burnley.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic will play as the holding midfielder, and the Serb will be expected to bring stability and composure to a nervy Manchester United midfield.
Paul Pogba and Fred are likely to be the other two midfielders at the centre of the park. Unusually, Pogba seems to be shifting to the right side of the field in the past couple of games, and Fred’s involvement and forward passing would be essential if United were to strike back in this match.
Attack
Jesse Lingard’s energetic though ultimately fruitless display against Spurs will see him retain his place in the attack.
Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will complete the attacking trio. Sanchez has not been named in the Chile squad for the friendlies on Manchester United medical team’s request. He will look to regain his form while the Belgian has to improve on his finishing having missed 3 golden chances already this season.
