Manchester prepares for Burnley after Amorim’s departure.
Burnley vs. Manchester United kicks off at 20:15 [GMT] on Wednesday, January 7, at Turf Moor.
Nineteenth-placed Burnley [LDDLL] welcome Manchester United to Turf Moor with history and form pointing firmly in the visitors’ direction, though neither side arrives without question marks. Burnley’s lone bright spot in this fixture came back in August 2009, when they won their first-ever Premier League home meeting with United 1-0. Since then, however, the Clarets have gone eight league games without a win against the Red Devils, drawing twice and losing six, while scoring just once in that entire run. Indeed, only two of Burnley’s 14 Premier League goals against Manchester United have been scored at Turf Moor, highlighting how difficult this matchup has been for them on home soil. Current form compounds those historical struggles. Burnley are winless in their last 11 Premier League matches, a run that ranks among the longest droughts of their top-flight history. After a promising start at home this season, collecting seven points from their first four matches, they have taken just one point from their last six at Turf Moor. Under Scott Parker, Burnley’s home record is particularly concerning, with the highest home losing percentage of any manager to oversee 25 or more Premier League matches. With six points shy of safety, an unlikely victory would surely be on Scott Parker’s mind against a managerless Manchester United. A 4—3—3 formation with Anthony, Broja and Edwards in attack is expected against the Red Devils.
It came as surprising news as Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. With Darren Fletcher slipping into the interim managerial role, United are now looking to put an end to a two-game winless run [DLWDD]. Fortunately, the Reds have generally been reliable against teams in the relegation zone, losing just twice in their last 36 such league games. They will also be targeting a Premier League double over Burnley, something they have only achieved once before, in the 2020-21 season. United’s attacking form is boosted by Matheus Cunha, who has hit a purple patch with three goals in his last five league appearances. His strong record against newly promoted sides, with nine goal involvements in his last eight such games, adds another layer of threat. Overall, the matchup sets Burnley’s prolonged winless run and blunt attack against a Manchester United side that, despite defensive frailties on the road, has consistently found ways to navigate fixtures against struggling opponents. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Benjamin Sesko in attack is expected against the Clarets.