With the return of many members of Erik ten Hag's squad after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, United’s ranks are set to be bolstered ahead of the fixture against the Championship table-toppers.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the eagerly awaited match…

HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THE GAME?

Our clash with Burnley will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, with kick-off at Old Trafford scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

You can watch exclusive build-up and post-match reaction live on MUTV - now available in the United App.

Our pre-match coverage will start at 18:55 BST on Wednesday 21 December and will be followed by live radio commentary during the 90 minutes.

WHEN CAN YOU SEE HIGHLIGHTS?

Two-minute highlights of the game will be available from midnight, with more in-depth versions to follow.

WHAT’S THE TEAM NEWS?

It's still early but the Reds will be strengthened by the return of players who were away over the last month representing their countries at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are, however, still competing for the trophy. Martinez booked his place in the World Cup final on Tuesday evening when Argentina defeated Croatia, while Varane's France face Morocco in the other semi-final, due to take place this evening (Wednesday) at 19:00 GMT.

With the showpiece final being played on Sunday 18 December, there are just three days between that and our clash with Burnley, making participation in both matches unlikely.

Fitness-wise, Axel Tuanzebe continues to work his way back from injury. Fellow defender Diogo Dalot reportedly picked up a knock at the World Cup with Portugal, and Ten Hag may give an update on the full-back ahead of the match.

For the visitors, Ashley Westwood, Jay Rodriguez, Scott Twine and Darko Churlinov remain out due to long-term injuries, while Josh Brownhill is available after suspension.

THE RETURN TO DOMESTIC ACTION

By the time we lock horns with Burnley, there will have been 38 days since United last played a competitive fixture.

That match, of course, saw 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho’s last-gasp goal earn a 2-1 win away to Fulham to ensure we signed off for the World Cup break with a win.

The victory over the Cottagers was just three days after the Carabao Cup third round, in which the Reds progressed with a 4-2 triumph over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Erik’s side were in good form going into the winter break, and the Dutchman will be eager for United to pick up where we left off upon the season’s resumption, starting with a win over Vincent Kompany’s side.

A FAMILIAR FOE

Burnley manager Kompany is, of course, an ex- Manchester City player, and we also faced the Lancashire club in the Premier League last term.

Rewind the clock back just 12 months, and this was very much a top-flight fixture.

United will take some confidence from the fact that we are unbeaten in our last four games against Burnley, but the Clarets are in top form at the moment.

Kompany’s team currently sit atop the Championship after 22 matches, three points ahead of Sheffield United in second, having only lost twice so far this term.

WHO ELSE IS PLAYING?

There are seven other Carabao Cup fixtures being played next week, across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

In what is the Carabao Cup’s round of 16, the all-Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool catches the eye, along with the run of Lincoln City, who face a trip to Southampton to fight for a place in the last eight.

CARABAO CUP FIXTURES

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

Wolves v Gillingham

Southampton v Lincoln City

Newcastle v Bournemouth

MK Dons v Leicester City

WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER

Charlton Athletic v Brighton & Hove Albion

Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forest

UNITED v Burnley (20:00 GMT)

THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER

Manchester City v Liverpool (20:00 GMT)

All matches 19:45 GMT unless stated.