Premier League
Manchester United vs Burnley Preview
Manchester United will aim to make it nine wins out of nine under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as they face Burnley at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been in great form since the Norwegian took over and are buoyant after knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Friday night.
When Jose Mourinho was sacked in December, United were 11 points adrift of the top four.
Just a few months later, a victory against Burnley will see the Old Trafford side go level on points with Chelsea in fourth place, for 24 hours at least.
Also, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can become the first manager to begin his reign at a club with seven successive Premier League victories.
For Burnley, they are unbeaten in their last four league games, winning three and drawing one.
It is their longest undefeated streak since a six-match sequence between February and April last year.
However, they are coming off a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Also, history is against them, as they haven’t beaten Manchester United in the top flight since September 1962.
Team News
Chris Smalling is expected to back in contention for Manchester United after recovering from a foot problem.
Marcos Rojo and Marouane Fellaini remain out, while David de Gea will return after being rested against Arsenal.
For Burnley, Robbie Brady is doubtful after being forced off with a groin problem against Manchester City.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson and ex-Manchester Utd player Phil Bardsley face late fitness tests.
Previous Encounters
Burnley have drawn their last two matches at Old Trafford and only a stoppage-time equaliser by Jesse Lingard denied them a famous victory in 2017.
Man Utd are unbeaten in their last 19 home games against Burnley.
Home and away, Burnley have registered just one victory in their last 29 meetings with the Old Trafford side.
A Romelu Lukaku double helped Man Utd defeat Burnley at Turf Moor in September.
Potential Line-Ups
Man Utd (4-3-3) De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Matic, Herrera, Pogba; Martial, Rashford, Lingard
Burnley (4-5-1) Heaton; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, Defour, McNeil; Wood
Match Prediction
Manchester United are resurgent under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, playing the attractive attacking football that United fans crave.
The players are enjoying playing under him and the Norwegian has allowed them to express themselves.
Even though Burnley have been on a good run in the Premier League, their confidence will have been shattered after a thumping defeat to Man City on Saturday.
Sean Dyche’s side will look to frustrate United by sitting in deep and making themselves hard to break down.
Manchester United will have to show patience but with the current form of the likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, they have the firepower to wear the Clarets down.
For that reason Solskjaer should make it nine wins out of nine and further cement his claims for the job on a permanent basis.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Burnley
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