Manchester United’s last XI to play against Burnley at home; only 3 players will likely start Carabao Cup tie

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Manchester United take on Burnley on Wednesday night with a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals up for grabs.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils will take on Vincent Kompany’s Clarets, who sit top of the Championship, at Old Trafford.

Much has changed since the two sides last met at the Theatre of Dreams back in December last year.

Ralf Rangnick and Sean Dyche are no longer in charge and Burnley’s seven-year stay in the Premier League came to an end.

But despite it being less than 12 months since United beat the Turf Moor side 3-1 at Old Trafford, the twenty-time league champions’ starting XI come Wednesday night could have as many as nine changes to it.

Ahead of Ten Hag’s side returning to domestic action, United in Focus takes a look at Manchester United’s last XI to play against Burnley at home.

Manchester United’s last XI to play against Burnley at home; only 3 players will likely start Carabao Cup tie

Goals from Scott McTominay and Cristiano Ronaldo alongside a Ben Mee own goal gave United a comfortable home league win on 30th December 2021.

The starting XI that day was: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Matic, Greenwood, Sancho, Cavani, Ronaldo.

Martin Dubravka, who made his United debut in the third-round win against Aston Villa, will be hoping to make his second appearance for the Reds against the Clarets.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be hoping to make his second competitive appearance and first start under Ten Hag having started both of United’s winter friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis in Spain earlier this month.

But depending on whether Ten Hag throws Tyrell Malacia, who didn’t play one minute of the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, straight back in at left-back, United’s number 29, who has only played four minutes of football this season, could be competing with Brandon Williams for the right-back berth.

Eric Bailly is in the midst of a season-long loan with Ligue 1 giants Marseille and with Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) and Raphael Varane (France) competing against one and other in the World Cup final, Ten Hag will likely opt to start Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at centre-back.

Malacia returning to Carrington feeling fresh will likely see Luke Shaw given the night off.

Scott McTominay seems a nailed on starter, but he won’t be partnered with Nemanja Matic in midfield who joined Jose Mourinho’s Roma as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.

The Scotsman could be joined in midfield by the likes of Donny van de Beek, Zidane Iqbal or Christian Eriksen who returned to Carrington on Monday following his World Cup exploits.

Mason Greenwood, who continues not to be considered for selection, has been given a provisional trial date of November 27, 2023.

The 21-year-old was arrested on January 31 on suspicion of rape and assault, and further arrested on February 1 on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill.

Jadon Sancho is currently training alone in the Netherlands and isn’t fit enough to return according to Ten Hag. No timescale has been put on the former Borussia Dortmund star’s return.

Like Matic, Edinson Cavani left the club in the summer following his release and El Matador joined Valencia.

Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer at the club after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the Reds mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect last month.

Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial started United’s two friendlies against Cadiz and Betis, and the aforementioned trio could start the game against the Clarets.

Facundo Pellistri, who returned to Carrington on Monday like Eriksen, will be hoping to make his United debut after featuring in all three of Uruguay’s World Cup matches.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Antony and Marcus Rashford may come off the bench if required, and the same could be said for Fred, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot.