United fans here in the Tavern are looking for their side to continue their fine form in the festive period, with trophies this season still looking like a reality.
Having had high expectations at the beginning of the season, it’s now looking like their rivals Manchester City are edging ever-closer to the title. However, with the European competition still looking promising, who knows what the next 5 months will hold.
Now, looking to claim a Champions League spot is their main domestic aim, in what has been one of the most competitive seasons for a place in the top 4 with a number of teams performing at the highest-level.
However, in their Boxing Day encounter this year they’ll welcome Sean Dyche and his Burnley side to Old Trafford, in what will be a tough match for the Red Devils after Burnley have enjoyed an incredible season so far.
Therefore, with momentum firmly behind both sides it looks as if it could be a tasty encounter in Manchester. Although, if Jose Mourinho decides to field this starting XI, Burnley will have no hope in bringing a result back to Lancashire.
David De Gea
The Spanish guardian has seen his performances this season regard him as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, with many fans being lost for words with some of his shot-stopping abilities.
Mourinho doesn’t even need to tell the keeper he’s in the starting line-up, he already knows. Probably the very best stopper in the world, he’s huge for Man United.
RB: Ashley Young
Englishman Ashley Young has been one of the most consistent defenders in this United side, despite suffering a rather difficult time of things in the last few years.
Antonio Valencia’s recent injury may force Young to make the switch to the right-side, speaking to the latter’s versatility.
Performances are always of the highest order, with pace, attacking intent, and the oppositions difficulty in getting past the defender all being that occur every time he enters the field.
CB: Phil Jones
Having been known formerly for the faces he pulls during matches, his performances this season have warranted special recognition with attackers finding it hard to get past the defender.
A trusty defender to have in your side and a player getting back to his best just in time for the World Cup.
CB: Chris Smalling
A central-defender that always give his all for the red shirt, often putting in a crunching last-ditch tackle to deny any onrushing attackers.
Whether it’s for club or country, he will always give 110% for your side and has certainly earned his place in the side this season. A huge chance for him with Eric Bailly out.
LB: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has struggled to earn a place in the side since returning from injury with the ever-reliable Ashley Young taking up the left-back position.
However, with bags of talent, he’ll be looking to impress in a rare chance for the English defender. Certainly a huge talent, the former Southampton man looks to be enjoying his football again.
CM: Nemanja Matic
The Serbian has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, after putting in a top-quality shift every-time he puts the red shirt over his head.
One of the first names on the team-sheet for Mourinho and clearly a trusted midfield general, the former Chelsea man allows the attacking talent to roam like wild horses.
CM: Paul Pogba
Many fans believe that Manchester United paid £89 million for a ‘dab’ and a dreadful haircut, but in his return from injury, he’s impressed with goals creeping into his game.
When fit, the Frenchman is one of the key components to this United side. Truly a world-class talent, it’d be good for the Premier League to see Pogba back in full form.
RAM: Marcus Rashford
The starlet has become a regular in the United side since his breakthrough year, continuously producing goals for the side as one of the most promising future-products of English football.
Although there’s risk of him tiring in a busy schedule, he’s managed to pull-off some magnificent performances so far. Converted into a right forward over the last two years, he’s obviously always a threat.
CAM: Jesse Lingard
For a player that’s a fan of the ‘Milly rock’ celebration, he’s been able to use it more than even he’d expect to in recent times after finding an inspired run of goal-scoring form.
Now becoming a regular in the side, Mourinho is liking what he sees in the youngster. A hard-working attacker and someone who pops up with crucial goals, it’s easy to see why the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ is in love with him so.
LAM: Anthony Martial
After being suspiciously left out of the side for much of the start United made to the season, his inclusion in the starting line-up on a regular basis has seen him reward the manager with goals and assists. Genuinely one of the most talented attacking players in the world, the Frenchman still has much to prove.
A valuable part of this United side.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Although he went eleven-games without a goal he’s managed to re-discover his goal-scoring form, as he takes the festive period by storm.
Looking to build on this year’s goal tally, Mourinho will be sure to include him in the side. Often accused of not doing it in big games, Burnley will represent a difficult challenge for the Belgian and he could certainly do with a goal against a top-six rival.
