Cristiano Ronaldo.

Line-ups Debate: How many changes against Burnley?

Tuesday 08 February 2022 13:00

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick must be considering which team to name for tonight's Premier League clash at Burnley.

Fans are discussing how the Reds will line up for the game at Turf Moor, as we look for three crucial points on the road to strengthen our push for a top-four slot.

The side will be announced at 19:00 GMT, an hour before kick-off, so keep an eye on the United App, ManUtd.com, MUTV and our socials for the all-important news. 

Don't forget to make your United Predictions, either – remember you could win a signed shirt!

The boss told us on Monday afternoon that Alex Telles and Fred have tested positive for COVID-19, so they will not feature in the matchday squad. However, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are back in Ralf's plans.

One option is to stick with the same outfield players who started the Emirates FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough as Rangnick was satisfied with the performance, if not the overall outcome against the Teessiders. This is presuming the Premier League Player of the Month for January,  David De Gea, will return after being rested for the fourth-round clash. Let us know your view in the poll below...

Would De Gea's return be your only change to the starting XI?poll

Would De Gea's return be your only change to the starting XI?

I PREDICT AN UNCHANGED OUTFIELD

Exiting the Emirates FA Cup last Friday night was an incredibly frustrating experience for all and Rangnick has openly stated the performance was too profligate at Old Trafford, which ultimately allowed Middlesbrough to snatch their penalty shootout success after 'that' VAR controversy.

However, it’s worth remembering the first-half display was almost certainly the best under our interim manager so far, filled with confidence, energetic third-man running and goalscoring opportunities. We could and should have been three or four goals up by the break, and even the notoriously hard-to-please Roy Keane was brimming with enthusiasm in the ITV studio during his half-time analysis. Admittedly, he’d reportedly had an encouraging job interview at Sunderland that day, but you get my point! 

Looking ahead to the anticipated line-ups announcement, we know there will probably be one change with De Gea set to return following a much-deserved rest. While it may seem odd to stick with an outfield that eventually lost out to Boro, it would not surprise me at all. In fact, I expect those same 10 names on the teamsheet at 19:00 GMT.

- Mark Froggatt

RALF COULD SHAKE IT UP

I would also probably expect Ralf to stick with the same side tonight, bar David De Gea returning in goal, as he looks to maintain his impressive form. However, there is the prospect of the interim manager looking at freshening his side up, particularly due to the specific challenges Burnley pose under Sean Dyche.

Nemanja Matic always brings a calm assuredness and defensive discipline to midfield, plus aerial strength which could be useful at set-pieces and when dealing with any long balls forward from goalkeeper Nick Pope. Fred's unavailability will lead to questions about the balance of a Scott McTominay-Paul Pogba-Bruno Fernandes midfield three but Scott has proved his ability to sit deeper and protect the back four.

So it is just a case of whether Ralf will decide to add a bit more security in Matic, which may then release Pogba or Bruno into a wider position, unless it is decided the Frenchman needs to be treated carefully after only one game back from injury. Victor Lindelof may be over his illness and able to challenge for a centre-back spot, although Rafael Varane was credited with a best performance, against Boro, by Rangnick and Harry Maguire will relish a scrap with the Clarets forwards. 

Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are back in the fold and will push for a place - it would also be a nice show of faith if Anthony Elanga gets another start, following his penalty miss in the shootout. So there are plenty of decisions still to be made for what promises to be a battle at Turf Moor.

- Adam Marshall

PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS

Don't forget to pick your starting XI, formation, first scorer, result and Man of the Match via the United App. The fan who scores the most points wins a signed shirt, wherever you are in the world.

Here's what fans are backing at the time of writing...

First scorer
50% - Cristiano Ronaldo
14% - Marcus Rashford
13% - Bruno Fernandes

Who will score first for United tonight?poll

Who will score first for United tonight?

Correct score:
29% - Burnley 0 United 2
19% - Burnley 1 United 2
17% - Burnley 1 United 3

Man of the Match:
24% - David De Gea
21% - Bruno Fernandes
21% - Cristiano Ronaldo

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