Predicted Manchester United line-up v Burnley

Manchester United return to action at Old Trafford tonight to face Burnley in the final home game of 2021.

United fans expect to see an improved performance on the last game and so does manager Ralf Rangnick, who is still unbeaten.

Absences and availability

United have three players ruled out for the fixture, which includes injured midfielder Paul Pogba.

Victor Lindelof is out after a positive Covid test which kept him out of the Newcastle game, while Bruno Fernandes is suspended.

Eric Bailly is available after postponing joining up with Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations, while Anthony Martial is also back in training.

Scott McTominay is a question mark, United’s website reported, having limped off late against Newcastle.

Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Who will start for United?

The only guaranteed starter is David de Gea in goal, with United playing a second match in just four days.

There will be some rotation in defence, with Raphael Varane unlikely to be asked to start two matches so close together, with another match against Wolves next Monday.

Eric Bailly has been asked to stay around for a reason and United should use him while he is available.

There could be some rotation at full-back too, although perhaps not both. We would predict Luke Shaw returns while Diogo Dalot retains his place.

With Scott McTominay a doubt, we could see Nemanja Matic and Fred in central midfield. Matic could have a key role at set pieces against Burnley.

In attacking midfield we could see Donny van de Beek come in for suspended star Bruno Fernandes. Alternatives include Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.

Jadon Sancho will hope to start after impressing in the second half against Newcastle, and he could potentially work well with Van de Beek.

Up front Cristiano Ronaldo could be partnered Edinson Cavani, who looked bright in the draw at Newcastle. Together the pair could have too much for Burnley and will help each other out.

The last time the two strikers started together was away at Tottenham in a game in which both strikers scored. United will be looking for a repeat this evening.

In: Shaw, Bailly, Matic, Van de Beek, Sancho, Cavani

Out: Telles, Varane, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Greenwood