Manchester United face Burnley this evening, barely four days after facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.
It’s unclear whether Erik ten Hag will make changes to his starting lineup at Turf Moor after considering the consequences of midweek travel from Germany and the match itself at the Allianz Arena, where United were defeated 4-3.
Read Anka’s pre-match views below before deciding whether you agree or disagree and attempting to anticipate the starting lineup in our United Predictions game.
“Erik ten Hag stated before the Bayern Munich game that he had yet to play his best XI, if ever. That’s intriguing because it seems like the team Erik wants to play for and the one he’s had to play for recently haven’t completely aligned.
“When you consider Erik’s signings this summer, he hasn’t had the opportunity to use all of them in the same game.” So the closer that everyone gets fit, the better Manchester United should ideally play.”
While United lost in Munich on Wednesday, Anka claims on-loan full-back Sergio Reguilon impressed him, and he wouldn’t be shocked if Facundo Pellistri gets his second consecutive start for the Reds when we face Vincent Kompany’s side this evening.
“It’s an interesting one, Pellistri, in that he’s played more minutes for Uruguay than he has for Manchester United since his arrival at the club,” he continued.
“Ten Hag has kept his feelings about the player close to his chest, but I think Pellistri performed admirably against Bayern Munich.” If Ten Hag chose him again in the same starting lineup, I don’t think there would be too many questions or raised eyebrows.
“I’d also like to see more from Reguilon.” He’s only on loan for the time being, but supporters seem to be impressed by how enthusiastic he is.”
Disappointing performances may force managers to make changes, but Carl believes Erik will stick with his Munich selection, as he has in the past, and allow them to bounce back with a victory this weekend.
“I think he’ll go with the same lineup again,” he added.
“That’s something Ten Hag has done very frequently following a loss last season, when he makes a statement saying the same team will play again.
“So, yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if he names the same starting lineup that faced Bayern Munich.”
