Manchester United predicted line-up v Burnley: Captain Maguire to return

Rejuvenated by five successive wins in all competitions, Manchester United host Burnley at Old Trafford this Sunday with confidence but a crucial job to do.

Fresh off a 4-0 aggregate win over Spanish minnows Granada in the Europa League quarter-final, and a 3-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur last time out in the Premier League, United could add to the nine-point buffer between themselves and fifth place.

Burnley are 16th and have lost back-to-back six-pointers with fellow strugglers Southampton and Newcastle, and could be put to the sword again at Old Trafford.

Fred, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood all scored against Spurs last time out, with the Uruyagaun adding another against Granada to all but secure his place in the starting eleven.

Marcus Rashford has not missed a single Premier League game this season but could be absent as he recovers from an injury that saw him sit out of the midweek fixture.

Forward Anthony Martial will be sidelined once more, while centre-back Eric Bailly could be in contention.

With this news in mind, here’s who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could select to face Sean Dyche’s Clarets…

Goalkeeper 

Although David De Gea featured in the Europa League game, Dean Henderson is expected to be recalled for this league fixture. Henderson has made 17 appearances for the Red Devils so far this term, including eight in the Premier League.

Dean Henderson will be hoping to push on and secure his place in the England European Championship squad

Defenders 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof will keep their places from Thursday but will be rejoined by Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw – who were absent through suspension. While United are yet to find their permanent, long-term partner for Maguire, this back four has been solid defensively this season with the rejuvenation of Shaw a particularly bright spark.

Despite Axel Tuanzebe’s assured midweek performance, captain Harry Maguire will return to lead his side out

Midfielders 

Scott McTominay also missed Thursday through suspension but will return, while Fred will keep his place alongside the Scot after scoring against Spurs, seeing Nemanja Matic drop to the bench. Paul Pogba has been operating on the left-wing, with Bruno Fernandes‘ ability making him the only option for attacking midfield, and Mason Greenwood could keep his place out on the right. Marcus Rashford will make the bench but expect Solskjaer to give him further rest and recovery time with a busy end to the season to come.

Paul Pogba was the captain on Thursday but could have seen red after a yellow card and a succession of fouls in the first-half

Forward

Edinson Cavani will lead the line in Anthony Martial’s absence, after scoring back-to-back goals in his last two. That’s now nine goals in a United shirt for the summer free transfer, following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite reports of a wantaway, Edinson Cavani’s tenacious attacking style has proved a match made in heaven at Old Trafford

Kick-off: Sunday 18 April, 2pm, Old Trafford