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So far the new decade has been a really tough start for Manchester United in all competitions the results are definitely not what United fans expect. The record in January is really poor with only two wins, one draw and three losses. Losing away to both Arsenal and Liverpool most recently, on Sunday at Anfield, shows the gulf between the teams that are traditional rivals. Not even going to mention the Manchester City masterclass that was delivered to Solskjaer team in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final. The biggest game of the season at Anfield Liverpool our arch-rivals showed what it takes to be ruthless and take your chances to ensure the win at all costs. The loss of crucial players to the squad has impacted the team but questions have to be asked as to why no one seems to take accountability for the complete lack of a transfer strategy to replace players who have been sold and or loaned out. With the transfer window rapidly closing and the squad struggling with the demands of playing week in and week out, Possibility of other players picking up injures and as we have seen the depth of this current squad leaves a lot to be desired. The question needing to be asked is whether Manchester United are able to finish in the Top 4 and cement a place in Champions League for next season. This is a minimum mandate surely for Solskjaer to achieve. Another season without Champions League could be disastrous for Manchester United.
Sean Dyche’s Burnley team will have a lot more confidence approaching the meeting at Old Trafford on Wednesday’ evening and this will represent the 130th competitive fixture between the two clubs, with United claiming 62 victories in comparison to 44 for Burnley. Having beaten an out-of-form Leicester team on the weekend Burnley would be looking to build on the momentum and move further away from the relegation zone. The Clarets have gone 10 matches without a win against their fellow North-West side. However, they have claimed a share of the spoils on their last three visits to Old Trafford, two of which have ended in 2-2 score lines, the other being a goalless draw in Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford. Solskjaer and his team have to see this as a must win and anything less will just increase pressure on the beleaguered team and manager.
Team selection is critical and concerns in the dip in form over Daniel James and Anthony Martial in particular has highlighted the lack of depth in the squad. The defence has improved slightly and one would expect Brandon Williams to resume playing on the left hand side instead of Luke Shaw. Juan Mata should be given a start in midfield as well as playing Mason Greenwood to increase the goal scoring threat upfront.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup:
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Williams; Matic, Fred; James, Mata, Greenwood, Martial
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Williams; Matic, Fred; James, Mata, Greenwood, Martial
Predicted Score: 1-0 to United
