Mourinho should give these 3 Man United stars a chance against Burnley

Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend when they travel to Burnley on Sunday (2.15pm kick-off).

The Red Devils edged through to the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night after narrowly beating Anderlecht 3-2 on aggregate, with Marcus Rashford’s goal in extra time enough to seal their spot against Celta Vigo in the last four.

However, their European adventure must be put on hold for a while now as Sean Dyche’s Burnley will provide a stern test for Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils on Sunday.

The Clarets are 14th in the Premier League and much of that is down to their sensational home form, which has seen them win ten of their 16 matches, and lose just four.

The likes of Liverpool and Everton have all come unstuck against Dyche’s side at Turf Moor this season, which is another indication of the task facing Mourinho’s United on Sunday.

Nonetheless, the Red Devils will be favourites to record a 16th victory of the campaign on Sunday, although Mourinho may have to make some changes to his side after a busy week.

Thus, here are THREE Man United stars who deserve a chance against Burnley…

Daley Blind

Marcos Rojo was stretched off in the first half of United’s victory over Anderlecht on Thursday, and as a result is unlikely to play again this season.

Thus, Mourinho may need to call upon the experienced Daley Blind to partner Eric Bailly at the heart of his backline, what with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also out for the season.

Dutch international Blind has been an able deputy almost every time he has been called upon this term, and with 16 Premier League appearances thus far, he is more often than not a key part of the squad.

With injuries mounting up for United and Mourinho, 27-year-old Blind may be in for only his second Premier League start since February on Sunday.

Ashley Young

Ashley Young was one of several United players to perform brilliantly against Chelsea last weekend, but he didn’t get the nod against Anderlecht on Thursday night.

However, such was the 31-year-old’s display against the Blues, Mourinho may recall him to the starting line-up against Burnley.

Former England international Young has managed just six Premier League starts for United this term, and with just seven starts in the other competitions, he hasn’t always been one of Mourinho’s number one options.

Nonetheless, some decent displays in the last month or so has propelled Young up the pecking order at Old Trafford, and it could result in a seventh league start of the season at Turf Moor.

Anthony Martial

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hobbled off with what looked like a serious knee injury against Anderlecht on Thursday night, almost certainly ruling him out of the next few weeks, and maybe even the season.

Thus, Mourinho will need his other forward players to step up in the Swede’s absence, what with he being the top-scorer this term with 28 goals, and one of those men who must improve is Anthony Martial.

But this might just be the opportunity he needs to re-discover his best form.

The France international was excellent in his debut season at Old Trafford last time out, netting 17 goals in 49 games, but appears to have struggled under Mourinho this term, scoring just seven goals.

However, the 21-year-old clearly has promise and undoubted ability, and a confidence-boosting recall against Burnley could be exactly what’s required to get Martial back to form.

Exit mobile version