Manchester United will be looking to get their Premier League campaign back on track this weekend. They host Burnley at Old Trafford in what is now a rarity for The Red Devils, a 3pm Saturday kick off. Burnley, meanwhile, will be looking to pull off a major shock and notch up their first points on the road this season, after losing all three of their away fixtures so far.
Current Form – United
There is no doubt that this is another massive game for United. Despite that woeful away record, Burnley will provide tough opposition. Anything less than a win will see United fall even further behind the top clubs. In his pre-match pres conference, United manager José Mourinho tried to subdue some of the recent criticism by pointing to the fact that United have only lost once in the last seven games. This becomes eight if you include the 3rd round EFL Cup win over Northampton. This, however, disguises the fact that United have not won in the league since beating champions Leicester City back on 24th September. In the three games since, United have drawn twice, against Stoke City and Liverpool, and suffered a heavy defeat at Chelsea last weekend.
Much has been made of the fact that Mourinho’s United have exactly the same record at this stage as they did in the disastrous David Moyes season. They have four wins, two draws and three defeats from the opening nine games. If United are to mount a serious title challenge this season, or even be in the mix for the Champions League places, something that is looking increasingly difficult considering the quality of their rivals, then United need to start winning games over the coming months. Starting on Saturday.
Current Form – Burnley
For Burnley, it is fair to say that their campaign is going rather as expected. A fight to stay in the Premier League is their priority. There have been some fantastic moments at Turf Moor, such as the victories over Liverpool and Everton. If Burnley are to come away from Old Trafford with any points, they will have to play with the same passion and intensity as they did in those games against the Merseyside clubs. It is a task that is harder said than done, considering Burnley have not won at Old Trafford in their last twelve attempts, a run that stretches way back to 1962.
It is true that Burnley have had a tough start, with The Clarets facing Liverpool, Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal and Everton in their opening nine games. Looked at in that context, Burnley fans can be fairly satisfied with their start to the season, and the players can be optimistic in their bid to consolidate Premier League status.
Team News – United
There has been some disappointing team news for United with last weekends injury to defender Eric Bailly. The Ivory Cost international has been one of their better performers, and arguably the most successful of Mourinho’s summer signings up to now. To lose Bailly for two months is a blow, but with Chris Smalling set for a return to defence alongside Daily Blind, United are well covered. Smalling and Blind were a strong defensive partnership last season, and will make it difficult for Burnley’s front men.
If Wayne Rooney is passed fit ahead of the game then, other than Bailly, United will have a full squad to choose from. One player that United fans have not seen much of, indeed, not all since he was hauled off at half time in the defeat to Manchester City six weeks ago, is Henrikh Mkhitaryan. When asked about the player on Friday, Mourinho talked about the time it will take Mkhitaryan to adjust to the Premier League, making the comparison with Chelsea’s Willian, who has become a key player for the London club despite a difficult first season. It is unlikely Mkhitaryan will start on Saturday, yet as always, it will be interesting to see who Mourinho does pick. United fans will be expecting to see an attacking line up.
Team News – Burnley
For Burnley, they welcome back Andre Gray into the team, after the strikers four game ban for homophobic comments made on social media. George Boyd is back, too, having recovered from a knee injury. There is less positive news regarding big summer buy Steven Defour, who is doubtful to make it as he recovers from hamstring trouble. Ashley Barnes, a big player for Burnley, is also likely to miss out as he regains fitness.
Final Thought
All in all, this could be a decent game, but United are undeniably favourites. It is difficult to see Burnley getting anything from the game, but they shouldn’t be under estimated. It will be a difficult game, but with United needing to win, the odds are they will deliver.
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