Manchester United face a trip to Burnley today in the Premier League, as Ralf Rangnick’s side aim to bounce back from the shock FA Cup elimination.
The Red Devils bowed out of the FA Cup last week with a 7-8 penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough following a lively 1-1 draw at Old Trafford which included a controversial equaliser by Chris Wilder’s side.
Ralf Rangnick would have been utterly disappointed with his team’s elimination from the prestigious cup competition, but with a game against Burnley on the horizon, he will expect a positive response at Turf Moor.
Manchester United Team News
The manager has to deal with two new Covid related absentees in the form of Alex Telles and Fred. The pair will miss today’s game with Fred likely to miss out on Saturday as well.
Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani have both been passed fit and available while Raphael Varane is also in line to retain his place.
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Ralf was not forthcoming on Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes but the club’s website has stated that the pair is “expected [to] be okay after knocks”.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Burnley (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea will return in goal after Dean Henderson was given a run-out in the fourth round FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough. The Spaniard has been back to his best this season and deserves to start at Turf Moor.
Defence
In-form Diogo Dalot is set to retain his place at right-back in the Man United lineup, thereby, keeping Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the starting XI. Luke Shaw enjoyed a decent outing against Middlesbrough, and with Telles out will continue unopposed at left-back.
Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will likely keep their places in central defence as the duo will be tasked with the job of containing the Burnley forwards—Wout Weghorst and Maxwel Cornet.
Midfield
The midfield trio of Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes worked well in tandem against Wilder’s Boro side last week, and even though Burnley have better quality players in the middle of the park than the Championship side, there is no reason for Rangnick to make alterations.
Nemanja Matic is an alternative if the manager deems the midfield too attack-minded albeit against goal shy Premier League opposition.
Attack
Up front, Rangnick has options at his disposal to make some changes but given the free flowing nature of their play against Boro, he could let the usual suspects continue working on their chemistry.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho should take up their positions on the two flanks in the Man United lineup while Cristiano Ronaldo could once again get the nod over Edinson Cavani to lead the line.
