Man United enjoyed a 42 days break due to the mid-season World Cup but this week, they will finally return to action when they take on Burnley in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United had more than a dozen players involved in the World Cup which means Erik ten Hag will have a very depleted squad for their fourth-round clash. Not only will several players be missing but even Old Trafford’s seating capacity has been reduced to 62,000 seats due to an ambulance strike on Wednesday.
Ten Hag has already regathered his squad in England and Man United have also played a couple of friendlies during this break but it’s still unclear how such a long break will affect the players – both physically or mentally.
Most of the first-team regulars are yet to return to Manchester which means the manager will have to name a second-fiddle starting line up on Wednesday and then put academy players on the bench.
Man United team news & injuries:
Martin Dubravka played in the third round of the Carabao Cup vs Villa but since David De Gea did not play in the World Cup, the Spaniard is likely to start.
Man United sent a host of defenders to the World Cup so all of them will be arriving late. This means the likes of Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams are all in line to play in defence against Burnley. Players like Tuanzebe and Wan-Bissaka are expected to leave next month but Ten Hag has no other option but to use them.
The midfield is also depleted but thankfully McTominay and Van de Beek are available for selection so both of them are going to get starts.
Christian Eriksen has returned to Carrington which is a big boost for the Man United boss but we have a feeling Ten Hag will want to rest the Danish international. Facundo Pellistri has also returned so either he or Zidane Iqbal is likely to play as the third midfielder.
Jadon Sancho is still recovering from an injury which is why he is not expected to feature against Burnley. This will allow Elanga to come into the side and play on the right wing.
Anthony Martial has been training hard during this break and now with Ronaldo gone, the Frenchman is the undisputed centre-forward.
Man United predicted line up vs Burnley:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): De Gea; Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Tuanzebe; McTominay, Van de Beek, Eriksen/Iqbal; Elanga, Martial, Garnacho.
