How Man Utd could line up against Burnley with up to FIVE key players out after Covid cases and triple injury blow
FIVE key players could miss Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Burnley with Ralf Rangnick juggling Covid cases and injuries.
Brazilian duo Fred and Alex Telles will miss Tuesday’s game after returning positive Covid tests.
Confirming Fred and Telles’ absence, manager Rangnick said: “Yeah we have two players missing.
“Alex Telles already missed the cup game because he tested Covid positive last week and, unfortunately, the same thing happened today with Fred.
“That’s why he will be missing from tomorrow’s game and possibly even the game against Southampton.”
Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes could also miss out on Tuesday’s game after picking up knocks in United’s shock FA Cup exit to Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
Rangnick is hopeful the trio could play a part with United looking to solidify their place inside the top four.
Jesse Lingard is also back in contention after his ‘rest.’
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The midfielder was given time off after being denied a move away from the club in the January transfer window.
Lingard has less than six months left on his deal at United.
But with Paul Pogba returning to fitness, Fernandes could be handed a rest.
David de Gea will almost certainly take his place back in goal barring any late changes.
Diogo Dalot has impressed at right-back since Rangnick’s arrival and could be afforded another opportunity to stake his claim on the starting spot.
If Varane does miss the game Phil Jones showed on his return against Wolves that he is more than capable.
Jones would almost certainly start alongside club captain Harry Maguire.
And with Telles out with Covid, Luke Shaw will start at left-back.
Scott McTominay could start alongside Nemanja Matic in the midfield to allow Pogba to play further forward should Fernandes not start.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga may start in the wide areas with Cristiano Ronaldo up top.
Alternatively, Varane could be cleared to play and that would see Jones lose his place.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may oust Dalot at right-back.
In midfield, Fernandes may start in the three behind Ronaldo, pushing Pogba back into the two – banishing Matic to the bench.
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