Manchester United predicted XI for Premier League clash with Burnley

There are several selection dilemmas facing Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley.

The Red Devils will be without Brazilian duo Fred and Alex Telles after Rangnick confirmed both have tested positive for Covid-19, but on the other hand, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard will both be involved in the squad at Turf Moor.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly missed Friday’s FA Cup elimination at the hands of Middlesbrough, and it’s unclear whether they’re both options for Rangnick. But the German failed to mention them when asked about absentees, which could imply they’re both fit.

We’ve had a look at how United could line up at Turf Moor…

Goalkeeper

This is almost certainly set to be David De Gea, despite Dean Henderson playing against Middlesbrough.

The Spaniard hasn’t missed a league game all season and, assuming he didn’t sit out the cup encounter through injury, is a shoo-in to start at Turf Moor.

Defence

At centre-back, Rangnick has five choices in Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Phil Jones, Lindelof and Bailly, although, as previously mentioned, there is some doubt surrounding the fitness of the latter pair.

Jones came off the bench to make just his second appearance of the season on Friday, with Varane and Maguire starting the game. Rangnick praised the former in Monday’s pre-match press conference and will likely select the same duo up against Burnley’s physical frontline.

In the wide areas, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has lost his place in the side to Diogo Dalot, and the new status quo will likely apply to Tuesday’s game and see the Portuguese full-back start.

On the opposition flank, Telles’s absence means Luke Shaw is almost certain to play at left-back.

Midfield

Fred’s positive result does reshape United’s make-up in the middle, with the Brazilian playing in all but one of the league games so far under Rangnick.

Scott McTominay is expected to sit and protect the back four, while Bruno Fernandes should play in a more advanced area. However, the dilemma for Rangnick will be whether to select Nemanja Matic or Paul Pogba in the remaining midfield role.

Pogba returned to the team on Friday after a three-month injury absence, while Matic impressed during the reverse fixture. Given United should expect to see more of the ball, Rangnick’s most obvious choice is to start with the French No.6.

Attack

United have more room to maneuver in this area thanks to the return of Lingard and Cavani, although it’s likely neither will start at Burnley.

Rangnick went with a trident of Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho against Middlesbrough and is expected to do the same on Tuesday.

Anthony Elanga came off the bench in the FA Cup tie but had started the previous three in all competitions. He offers the most likely alteration in the advanced positions if United were to make a change.

Juan Mata was introduced from the bench during the loss to Middlesbrough, but hasn’t played a single minute in the league this season. Mason Greenwood remains suspended by the club.

Predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo.