Man Utd team news: Predicted XI vs Burnley as Erik ten Hag calls on three World Cup stars | Football

The Dutchman is said to muster some players who traveled with their respective countries to Qatar for the World Cup this winter. At least one star who made it to the quarter-finals could be with United to avoid a shock result against ex-Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany’s Championship leader.

express sport runs through Ten Hag’s likely line-up as United battle Lancashire rivals Burnley for a quarter-final spot.

Goalkeeper – De Gea

David de Gea was incredibly absent from Luis Enrique’s Spain squad for the World Cup due to concerns about the United No1’s ballplaying abilities. That didn’t go too well for Enrique, who lost his job after Spain were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 16.

De Gea was part of United’s winter camp in Spain and was due to resume his role as Ten Hag’s first-choice stopper tonight. But Martin Dubravka’s only appearance for the club came in the group stage against Aston Villa so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start here again.

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Defense – Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia

Diogo Dalot is back at Carrington but is believed to still be suffering from a blow sustained in the final stages of Portugal’s World Cup campaign in which he impressed massively.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, now fully fit, should make his last appearance for the club before a January departure.

Louis van Gaal has included Tyrell Malacia in his Netherlands squad but the young left-back has not featured once and will be eager to return under Ten Hag.

With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane reaching the first-choice World Cup final, Harry Maguire will likely need to spring back into action to support Victor Lindelof in central defence.

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Midfield – McTominay, Eriksen, Van de Beek

Scott McTominay is a surefire starter, having started both United’s winter friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis. Zidane Iqbal may be hoping for one game ahead of a possible January loan move. However, after Denmark’s World Cup elimination in the group stage, Christian Eriksen was to become McTominay’s partner after a few weeks’ break.

Ten Hag are awaiting the return of Bruno Fernandes after the playmaker was one of the star players in Qatar. But Burnley will come too soon for the Portuguese ace, who stats say could flourish after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Donny van de Beek should be given another chance to impress in attacking midfield.

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Attack – Elanga, Garnacho, Martial

Antony is back at Carrington and has played every game he was fit for since reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford in the summer. But he could be saved for the game at Nottingham Forest on December 27, with Anthony Elanga getting a chance to start on the right of attack.

Alejandro Garnacho ended the first part of the season in sensational fashion, nabbing the late winner on the trip to Fulham. He will hope to reignite his momentum against Burnley as Anthony Martial, now United’s only natural first-team forward, will start up front after his return to fitness at the break.

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