Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be deployed in the number ten role when Manchester United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Manchester United will be looking to quickly move on from their frustrating draw at Leicester City last weekend when they play hosts to Burnley at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the Clarets themselves looking to bounce back to winning ways after a huge loss to Tottenham. Here’s how the hosts could line up on Boxing Day.
In goal, David De Gea is the firm first-choice shot stopper for Jose Mourinho, with Sergio Romero largely being preferred just for cup ties. The Manchester United number one should again start on Tuesday, looking to add to his league-high 10 clean sheets after three successive games without one.
The Manchester United boss does not have a natural right-back to choose once again, with Antonio Valencia out with a hamstring injury and Matteo Darmian unavailable due to an unspecified problem. Victor Lindelof could, thus, start on the right side of defence once again after being impressive against Leicester.
There are a few problems at the heart of defence as well, with Chris Smalling doubtful due to a groin injury that he picked up towards the end of the game against the Foxes. With Eric Bailly already sidelined for up to three months due to an ankle injury, Marcos Rojo becomes an obvious choice to partner Phil Jones.
The choice at left-back is between Ashley Young and a resurgent Luke Shaw. But, Shaw may have to make do with a place on the bench for now, with the game against the Clarets quite an important one. The two midfielders seem to pick themselves, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic playing in the pivot.
Up ahead in attack, we could see a surprise selection in the number ten role. Mourinho has hinted that he might start Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the hole soon, after imposing his faith on the Swede to do well for Manchester United in that role, if deployed.
Juan Mata should start on the right side of the Manchester United attack, after his brace over the weekend, while Anthony Martial could be on the opposite flank following a disastrous cameo by Marcus Rashford that ended with the Manchester United boss indirectly pointing fingers at him, among others.
Upfront, Romelu Lukaku is the straightforward choice to be the focal point of the Manchester United attack, and the Belgian will look to add to his ten Premier League goals on Tuesday after playing a rather creative role against the Foxes.
