Manchester United are set to host Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon in a game that could have massive implications at both the top and bottom of the Premier League table.

This season has been massively disappointing for the Red Devils. Currently sitting in 7th place, with just five games to go, Champions League football next season is looking more and more out of reach. It seems as though the highest they are likely to finish come the end of the season is 6th with Tottenham ten points off them in 5th.

Despite the disappointment though European football is still well within their reach. It will just take picking up as many points as possible heading into the end of the season and hoping those around them slip up as well.

At the other end of the table, Burnley are currently sat in 19th place and looking more and more likely to be relegated as the weeks go on. However, they are only three points away from Nottingham Forest in 17th so any points picked up at this stage could be valuable for their survival hopes.

Manchester United v Burnley Stats

United have struggled to perform to the standard we know they can in recent weeks causing them to slip up massively in the race for those European places. They were unbeaten for the start of 2024 before finally dropping points to Fulham at the end of February. Since then though they have only managed one league win - that coming in a 2-0 win against Everton back at the start of last month.

The Clarets on the other hand have seen a slight turn in form in recent weeks picking up some good results against Brighton, Sheffield United, Chelsea and Wolves. They did taste defeat at the hands of Everton at the start of the month but nonetheless they have shown a lot of fight and a lot of desire to survive.

The points are ours! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/PWICjFlLcy

— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 20, 2024

This season, the Red Devils have certainly struggled to keep the ball out the back of the net. As it stands they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last four games also conceding two or more goals in their last four games in all competitions. Considering their record at home has been worse than expected this season as well Burnley could see this as an opportunity to surprise United.

Burnley will have to be careful though because they aren’t the best at keeping the ball out of the net either. This season they have conceded 69 goals in the league with only Sheffield United and Luton Town shipping more.

They have also only scored 37 goals which, once again, is one of the worst totals in the league this season. Only Sheffield United and Everton scoring less.

As expected, in their 131 year history of playing one another Man United have the upper hand in this fixture. And in recent history it has been the same as well, United winning 5 of the last six games against Burnley - drawing 1-1 in February 2022.

In fact, Burnley have only won two of the last 20 games between the two teams. Picking up wins in 2020 (2-0 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez) and, long before that, in 2009 (a 1-0 win, with a Robbie Blake winner). History certainly doesn’t favour the away side here.

Manchester United v Burnley Players To Watch

The host's man to watch has to be Bruno Fernandes. Four goals in his last four games, he is in fantastic form at the moment. Coming up against a Burnley side who, as mentioned, concede a lot of goals, it is likely that he ups that tally in this game.

That being said, Rasmus Hojlund could also make an impact in this game following his winning penalty against Coventry City on Sunday. Even if he is on a slight purple patch at the moment, his confidence would surely have skyrocketed after that penalty. Something that could help him kick on from now.

As for Burnley, I’d keep my eyes on Jacob Bruun Larsen. Despite having only scored five goals this season he has proven to be a crucial player for Burnley in recent weeks including getting a goal in their smashing of Sheffield United as well as in their 1-1 draw with Wolves. He is certain to provide a major threat to a United side without the majority of their defenders.

Manchester United v Burnley Team News

Erik Ten Hag’s side have been plagued with a whole host of injuries this season and that doesn’t seem to be stopping as we head into the latter stages. Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial will all miss out on this game.

There are also fresh doubts about the fitness of Scott McTominay who limped off in the game against Coventry as well. He is a serious doubt for this game.

However, it isn’t all bad news for United. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane could make a return after their absence giving them a boost in their defence.

Vincent Kompany on the other hand doesn’t have any new concerns surrounding injury heading into this game. Bar the season ending injuries he has nothing to worry about.

The Clarets could also see some positivity in this game with Luca Koleosho potentially being fit and available again for this game having shown positive developments following a knee injury.

Manchester United v Burnley Where To Watch

This game gets underway at 3pm on Saturday 27th April.

That being said, due to restrictions in the UK, the game will not be televised.