Manchester United players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Man United romped home to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Boxing Day, thanks to Anthony Martial’s brace and goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
The Red Devils climbed up to 7th in the standings with that comprehensive victory and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side must aim to close the gap on the top-four even further when they make the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday night.
Burnley suffered a 1-0 defeat on Boxing Day away at Everton, who got off to a winning start under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, and the Clarets could have their work cut out once again when they lock horns with United at the weekend.
Scott McTominay became the latest addition to the list of casualties at Old Trafford after the Scotsman suffered a knee ligament injury against Newcastle and he is ruled out for the trip to Burnley.
Eric Bailly (knee), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (knee) and Axel Tuanzebe (thigh) are all unlikely to feature in the matchday squad while Paul Pogba could be in line for a start, having featured as a substitute in the last two games.
The Spaniard has conceded in his last 14 league games now but he continues to be the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for the Red Devils.
The youngster registered his first assist of the season in the 4-1 rout of Newcastle with a wonderful cross that led to Rashford’s headed goal.
The England international will be expected to put in an improved shift against Burnley after he looked out of sorts on Boxing Day and was bullied off the ball by Joelinton.
The Swede went missing for Longstaff’s opener on Thursday but he has done reasonably well on the whole so far this season and should retain his spot.
The veteran didn’t play a part against Newcastle but he might find himself among the starters on Sunday if Solskjaer opts to rotate his squad and give the unimpressive Luke Shaw a breather.
The Frenchman simply ran riot after coming off the bench as a substitute against Newcastle and the injury to McTominay is likely to see him make a return to the playing eleven.
The Brazilian has blown hot and cold throughout his time at Old Trafford but United don’t really have too many alternatives.
Andreas Pereira put in a good shift against Newcastle but with fixtures coming thick and fast, Solskjaer might have to hand the England international a start on Saturday to give the Brazilian some rest.
The Welshman didn’t come off the bench on Thursday and he should be fresh and ready to start against Burnley in place of Greenwood, who can probably do with a bit of rest after playing the full ninety minutes.
The homegrown striker took his goal tally up to 11 for the season in the Premier League with a towering header in the last game and United will need him to fire on all cylinders once again.
The Frenchman has been in fine form in the last few games and his link-up with Rashford could once again be instrumental in United’s success on Saturday.