A humbled Manchester United visit Burnley on Tuesday looking to bounce back from their shock exit from the FA Cup.
Ralf Rangnick’s men crashed out in the fourth round of the competition after losing to Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties. The result means the Champions League is the Red Devils’ only shot at silverware this season.
Manchester United are currently fourth in the Premier League, but could be leapfrogged by both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who have played fewer games than the Red Devils.
A return to Premier League action could be just the tonic Manchester United need. Rangnick’s side have won six of their last nine league games. Moreover, they are undefeated in 35 of their last 37 away games in England’s top-flight and have won on five successive visits to Turf Moor.
Burnley’s confidence is also at an all-time low. The Clarets are bottom of the table and have not won a league game since October.
The last time these two sides met, United cruised to a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Burnley vs Manchester United – Team News
Burnley
Matej Vydra and Johann Gudmundsson remain sidelined after undergoing surgery, while Ashley Barnes and Charlie Taylor are also expected to miss out.
Josh Brownhill, however, is available for selection after serving a suspension. Wout Weghorst struggled to make any kind of impact on his debut against Watford and could be dropped for Jay Rodriguez.
Manchester United
David de Gea was rested in the FA Cup loss to Middlesbrough but will return for this game. Fred and Alex Telles are unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19.
Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani are both in the squad, while Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes have shaken off minor knocks.
Eric Bailly is unlikely to feature as he battles an ankle injury, but Victor Lindelof is back from illness.
Burnley vs Manchester United – Predicted Lineups
Burnley predicted lineup (4-4-2): Pope; Roberts, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; McNeil, Westwood, Brownhill, Lennon; Rodriguez, Cornet
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba, Fernandes; Sancho, Ronaldo, Rashford
Burnley vs Manchester United – Key Players
Burnley – Maxwel Cornet
Burnley have struggled for goals this season, netting just 16 times in the league. Cornet, however, has been one of the bright sparks in attack, with six goals to his name. The Ivorian has the pace and dribbling ability to trouble the United backline and will have an important role to play on Tuesday.
👋 Hi Steven! What a week to stop by…💥#BURMUN | #UTC https://t.co/gcoZsCx8vc pic.twitter.com/VlJEClECbc
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 7, 2022
Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes is one of the most creative players in the league, but he has struggled to make an impact consistently this season. Nevertheless, he has scored seven goals and provided five assists. The Portuguese will be responsible for orchestrating United’s attacks and helping break down a Burnley side that will be content to sit back and absorb pressure.
Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Manchester United
