Manchester United travel to Burnley later this evening as the Premier League returns to action following the end of the AFCON. Although heading into the fixture following a disappointing loss to Middlesbrough in their fourth-round F.A Cup tie last weekend, the Red Devils will be hoping to find consistency in their hopes of securing a top-four spot over the remainder of the campaign.

With Ralf Rangnick’s side undefeated in three Premier League games heading into the tie, the visitors will be keen on securing all three points and strengthening their league position moving forward. Amidst the absentees, Victor Lindelof, Fred, Alex Telles, and Eric Bailly remain unlikely to feature on Tuesday, with Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani emerging as the only potential additions in comparison to last weekend’s match-day squad.

Having witnessed several departures whilst failing to recruit in the January transfer window, United remain short on quality squad players. However, Rangnick will be hopeful of extracting the best out of his personnel on Tuesday night.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Burnley

While Manchester United continue picking up the odd impressive result, their struggles with consistency continue to impede their desired progress under the German manager. Having failed to qualify for the next stage of both major domestic cup competitions, top-four alongside an outside chance for the Champions League remains the club’s only hope this season.

With the team still adapting to the new system deployed by Rangnick, it remains to be seen if Manchester United find consistent points over the coming weeks, including tonight at Burnley.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): Amongst the most consistent players for Manchester United this season, De Gea is expected to return to the line-up against Burnley. With the team in need of experienced figures, the Spaniard will be keen on maintaining his form during this pivotal phase of the season.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Amongst United’s brightest performers in recent weeks, the Portuguese full-back has seemingly cemented his place in the starting line-up. The team is becoming dependent on his abilities, so Dalot emerges amongst the frontrunners to be included in the starting XI against the Clarets.

Raphael Varane (RCB): The team’s most consistent defender in recent weeks, Varane’s contributions remain pivotal to United’s solidity in the backline. Having significantly improved his performances, the Frenchman is likely to play a vital role in the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Harry Maguire (LCB): Having delivered a decent performance against Middlesbrough, Maguire will be hoping to return to his best over the coming weeks. The team require consistent performers and the United skipper will need to step up his contributions to push the team forward.

Luke Shaw (LB): Yet to cement his place under Rangnick, Shaw will be keen on delivering a good performance on Tuesday night. With Alex Telles serving as a capable challenger, Shaw will be hoping to improve on his contributions heading going forward.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CDM): Lively yet inconsistent, McTominay continues to fail in delivering to expectation. However, having cemented himself as a vital component of Rangnick’s system, the Scotsman will be hoping to bring consistency in his displays over the coming weeks.

Paul Pogba (CM): Set to start his first Premier League game since returning from injury, the Frenchman will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks. With the side short across the midfield department, Pogba will be hoping to cement his spot in the starting lineup moving forward.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): United’s most effective player in the attacking third, Fernandes will be keen on delivering consistent performances over the coming weeks. With the attacking players in need of improving on their finishing and goal-scoring opportunities, Fernandes will be hopeful in driving the required change in discipline across the frontline.

Read More:

• Ronaldo, Rashford, Bruno – All Miss Goal-Scoring Opportunities | How United’s Players Fared Against Middlesbrough
• Two More Manchester United Players Move Clubs Until the End of the Season
• Man United Transfer Round-Up – All the Incomings and Outgoings in the January Transfer Window 21/22

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (LW): Yet to find his form since witnessing a decline in his performances, Rashford will be hoping to return to his best over the coming weeks. The team needs impactful players and the winger is a more than capable match-winner heading into a pivotal phase of the campaign.

Jadon Sancho (RW): Seemingly growing in confidence in his new role under Rangnick, Sancho will be keen on redeeming himself over the coming weeks. With the team in need of creative forces across the attacking third, the youngster will be keen on delivering to expectations over the remainder of the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): Having failed to make an impact in recent weeks, Ronaldo will be hopeful of ending his goal drought against Burnley. With the team in need of his experience and impact, the striker could emerge as a significant contributor to their campaign heading into a critical phase of the season.

Predicted Score

Burnley 0-1 Manchester United.