Manchester United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford this weekend, desperately trying to avoid another humiliating day at the office.
United are winless after their opening two games of the Premier League season, beaten at home to Arsenal on the opening weekend before an uninspiring draw with Fulham last time out.
A dreadful defeat to fourth tie Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup midweek deepened the malaise at Old Trafford with Ruben Amorim already looking like a man under immense pressure.
His side have the chance to lift some of that gloom at home to newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday – but anything other than a comprehensive win will prompt more questions over Amorim’s future.
The manager’s refusal to deviate from his three at the back system has been a growing concern with that stance unlikely to change this weekend.
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In goal, Andre Onana’s chances of keeping his place in the side after Thursday’s disaster against Grimsby seem remote. Altay Bayındır has also failed to convince but appears to be the manager’s preferred choice.
Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro were among those rested on Wednesday night with the pair expected to return to the starting XI on Saturday.
Amorim has made it clear Kobbie Mainoo is directly competing for Bruno Fernandes’ role in the team.
Given Fernandes wears the captain’s armband, he is unlikely to force his way in ahead of the skipper, something that will continue to fuel the possibility of a move away from United before transfer deadline day on Sunday.
Casemiro, Amorim’s preferred partner for Fernandes in the middle of the park, was also rested against Grimsby.
Benjamin Sesko was handed his first start that night, getting a competitive 90 minutes under his belt for the first time since April.
While it was not the most convincing debut, Amorim surely cannot leave his sole striker among the subs again against newly-promoted opposition.
Man Utd XI to face Burnley – Metro prediction
With Amad Diallo doing little to convince Amorim he is deserving of a starting role this weekend, we expect Diogo Dalot to return to right wing-back with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to resume their partnership in attack.
Man Utd vs Burnley TV channel and kick-off time
Man Utd vs Burnley takes place on Saturday 30 August with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Given that kick-off time, the match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
Luckily, you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
