Manchester United vs Burnley | Team News and Predicted Line-up

Manchester United host Burnley on Thursday as Premier League football returns to Old Trafford for the first time since early this month. Yet to find their rhythm following a promising start under Ralf Rangnick, the Red Devils will be hoping to deliver a convincing performance amidst growing concerns over the team’s commitment in recent weeks.

Having been dominated by two relegation battling sides in their latest outings, the Red Devils have grown frustratingly passive since Rangnick’s first-game in-charge against Crystal Palace in November. Manchester United have since, only managed to score three goals in three Premier League outings heading into the Burnley game on Thursday, with the team having, seemingly, carried over their inadequacies from the previous management under the new manager.

With Rangnick expected to make significant changes to the line-up, the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping to see their team display a palatable result on Thursday. Besides Paul Pogba, Rangnick is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal as United aim to maintain their pursuit for top-four amidst increasingly consistent challengers and the possibility of more postponements over the coming weeks.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup Against Burnley (Formation 4-2-2-2)

Given the inexcusable performances in recent weeks, consequential changes are expected to be made to the starting line-up facing the Clarets. In addition to having struggled across various metrics in possession and repeatedly failed in performing as a cohesive unit, Manchester United have failed to remain aggressive on the pitch, with Burnley expected to deliver a challenging display.

Provided the manager makes the necessary changes to the line-up, United will be hopeful in displaying a significantly improved performance on Thursday. Having been amongst the most inconsistent sides in the league this season, the Red Devils remain in desperate need to gain consistency ahead of a challenging race for top-four over the coming weeks.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK) – Despite the team’s lack of compulsion, De Gea remains the most consistent performer on the pitch. Several crucial saves by the Spaniard has seen United concede fewer goals and gain valuable points since Rangnick’s arrival, with the team looking defensively assured in recent weeks. With the manager unlikely to make significant changes to the backline over the coming weeks, De Gea is expected to remain United’s first-choice option for the remainder of the campaign.

De Gea. World class. Simple! pic.twitter.com/UyOpzc7oDD

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 27, 2021

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB) – Amongst the few players deserving of a spot in the starting line-up, Dalot will be hoping to contribute to the team’s improvement over the coming weeks. The right-back’s low-driven cross saw him contribute to United’s equalizer against Newcastle, wherein the Portuguese emerged as one of the better players on the evening. With the manager likely to make changes moving forward, Dalot will be keen on retaining his place moving forward.

Raphael Varane (RCB) – Although the Frenchman delivered an underwhelming performance against Newcastle, given his brief period on the sidelines, Varane is expected to retain his spot amidst a lack of rotational option at centre-back. Varane remains the team’s best centre-back and will be hoping to contribute to improving the team’s results over the coming weeks.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – Reportedly “subdued” since Ronaldo’s arrival, Maguire will be keen on finding his best form over a challenging period of fixtures. Although the Englishman remains the centre of much vitriol, he will be keen on contributing to the team’s displays going forward. With the criticism only set to grow louder, Maguire will be keen on silencing his critics heading into a crucial part of the season.

Luke Shaw (LB) – Yet to be granted an opportunity by the new manager, Shaw will be keen on regaining his spot in the starting line-up. While Alex Telles remains the foremost option, Shaw will be looking to display an impressive performance and gradually cement his place in the line-up over the coming weeks.

Really hope this Luke Shaw returns as soon as possible 🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/joHuupGIcz

— h (@htomufc) December 29, 2021

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM) – Having delivered decent performances despite the team’s inadequate displays, McTominay is deserving of retaining his place against Burnley. The Scotsman remains a vital defensive figure in midfield, although his lack of creativity and vision could hamper the team’s ball progression on Thursday. With the team lacking personnel in the department, McTominay will be keen on improving his contributions over the coming weeks.

Fred (CM) – Despite being amongst the most underwhelming performers on the pitch against Newcastle, Fred remains a vital part of the team. Amidst a lack of options, the Brazilian is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up and will be hoping to deliver a much-improved performance on Thursday.

Jadon Sancho (RAM) – After being left out of the squad against Newcastle, Sancho is expected to be included in the starting line-up for the Manchester United vs Burnley game. The youngster displayed an unpromising cameo on Monday but will be hoping to deliver a convincing performance given the need to gain points and find consistency over the coming weeks.

Donny Van De Beek (LAM) – Amongst the players striving for game time at the club, Van De Beek will be hopeful to register his first Premier League start of the season on Thursday. A string of promising displays has seen him deserving of a place in the starting line-up, and he will be keen on delivering a captivating performance at Old Trafford.

Donny van de Beek vs West Ham (H) #mufc

[via Utd Comps on YouTube] pic.twitter.com/7sYoQT7leF

— ‏ً (@VanDeBeekArmy) September 23, 2021

Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo (RF) – Although having failed to find the back of the net in recent weeks, Ronaldo will be keen on contributing to the team’s results in their pursuit for top-four. While he remains the centre of criticism for the team’s performance, the Portuguese striker will be keen on silencing his doubters and delivering the necessary performances over the coming weeks.

Edinson Cavani (LF) – Fresh from scoring the equalizer against Newcastle, Cavani is expected to be included in the starting line-up on Thursday. The Uruguayan emerges as the foremost figure deserving of a series of games moving forward and is likely to contribute to the team’s change in fortune over the coming weeks.