Manchester United will be looking to build momentum after the emphatic Boxing Day victory over Newcastle with another win against Burnley on Saturday.
Here’s five things Reds should watch out for during the game at Turf Moor:
United target Dwight McNeil
According to the Sun, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keeping track of the the 20-year-old winger. The report claims McNeil has been scouted by United and is a possible £35m transfer option. While the Red Devils should perhaps be prioritising other key areas in the team first such as central midfield, he is certainly a talented player and could cause United problems problems on the flank crossing into Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.
Lindelof’s weakness
Lindelof has consistently struggled when coming up against physical strikers and was noticeably bullied against Troy Deeney in United’s woeful defeat to Watford on Sunday. The Swedish international is likely to be targeted again as Burnley look to utilise Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood, who could give him similar problems. It will be interesting to see how the defender copes if again selected ahead of Axel Tuanzebe.
Pogba’s return
Scott McTominay’s injury against Newcastle means Pogba is almost certain to start after making another appearance from the bench on Boxing Day. The Frenchman is likely to play alongside Fred in central midfield, with Andreas Pereira or Jesse Lingard in a more advanced role. We hope Pogba can provide a similar creative influence to what he did off the bench against Newcastle and Watford. Pogba could prove the difference against a stubborn Burnley defence.
READ MORE: Opposition preview: Burnley writer on Man Utd target Dwight McNeil and a tough test for Red Devils
Greenwood or James?
Solskjaer has a selection dilemma for tomorrow’s game. He can either keep Mason Greenwood in the side after yet another goalscoring performance, or bring back a fresh Daniel James who will be raring to go. James offers natural pace and width down the right-hand side that will cause problems for the Burnley defence. But we think the United boss should opt for the in-form Greenwood again on the flank as he provides a bit more of a creative outlet against a team likely to be set up with a low block, and has a fantastic finishing ability if given half an opportunity to shoot.
Andreas Pereira at 10
Pereira’s performance against Newcastle was certainly an upgrade on Jesse Lingard’s showing against Watford four days earlier. Whilst his decision making was still poor at times, he was always on the move and his passing was largely accurate. The Brazilian has done enough to keep his place in the side, and could benefit from the return of Paul Pogba to the starting eleven.