Manchester United v Burnley: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Burnley, sitting in 19th place, head to Old Trafford on Saturday knowing a win would see them go level with Nottingham Forest in 17th and they will be feeling more confident in making the trip to Manchester than they would have in the past.

The Red Devils will be keen to build on their 4-2 win over Sheffield United and end the campaign on a high ahead of their FA Cup final clash with rivals Manchester City, but the Clarets may make them work hard for three points.

Manchester United v Burnley betting tips and predictions

Manchester United and both teams to score - 6/4

The Red Devils eventually earned a 4-2 win over basement boys Sheffield United on Wednesday, but the match highlighted a lot of the issues which have plagued United all season, and have only worsened over time.

The fact that the Blades, the league’s lowest scorers with just 33 strikes, managed to net twice and take the lead twice sums up just how poor United’s defence is right now.

The main issue is their injury crisis, with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia, Willy Kambwala and Victor Lindelof all out, but Erik ten Hag’s system is prone to being exposed, and the Clarets could find some joy at Old Trafford. 

Casemiro has been filling in at centre back, but given United have conceded a combined five goals to Championship side Coventry and the Premier League’s basement boys Sheffield United in his two appearances there, it is fair to say he is not quite cut out for that role. 

Burnley have found their shooting boots lately, especially on their travels.

The Clarets have scored eight goals in their last four away games, netting twice at West Ham and Chelsea before scoring four at Sheffield United in that run, and their in-form attack could breach a shaky United backline.

Despite their issues, the Red Devils have still avoided defeat in their last four home games despite playing Liverpool twice in that sequence.

United are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Burnley, winning five in that run including the last three clashes at Old Trafford, and much like they did on Wednesday, should eventually overpower their lowly visitors, even if they concede on their way to doing so.

Bruno Fernandes to score - 15/8

As he has for the majority of his United career, Bruno Fernandes has been dragging his side through games this season and his current run of form is potentially the only reason Ten Hag is still in a job. 

The Portuguese midfielder has bagged seven goals and notched two assists in his last five games, with his returns ultimately saving United from being defeated by Coventry and the Blades.

United’s captain is also their designated penalty taker, which could provide him with an opportunity to find the net against Burnley given the fact the Clarets have given away six spot kicks this term, with only West Ham (10) and Everton (eight) conceding more. 

The Red Devils have been awarded seven penalties this term - only Chelsea (12), Liverpool and Arsenal (both nine) have been given more - so Fernandes rates as a solid bet to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.

He scored a screamer in open play against the Blades, highlighting the confidence he is playing with right now, so even without a penalty he appeals in the goalscorer market, especially as he grabbed the sole goal in the reverse fixture.

Jacob Bruun Larsen over 0.5 shots on target - 1/1

United concede 17.7 shots per game in the Premier League this season, with only basement boys Sheffield United allowing more (17.9), highlighting just how poor their defence really is. 

Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Coventry marked the first time since 9th February the Red Devils faced less than 20 shots in a game and Andre Onana could be brought into action on plenty of occasions against Vincent Kompany’s improving side on Saturday. 

The Clarets are looking livelier with every game and Jacob Bruun Larsen has stood out in an improving Burnley attack. The Danish winger has registered at least one shot on target in six of his last eight appearances, netting three goals in that run. 

He will likely line up on the left of Burnley’s midfield but he has a tendency to drift inside. Given Casemiro is set to line up on the right of United’s centre-back partnership, Bruun Larsen could trouble the sluggish Brazilian and fire at least one shot on target at Old Trafford.

Bruun Larsen tested Onana in the reverse fixture, registering one of Burnley’s four shots on target at Turf Moor back in September, and rates a good bet to sting the palms of the Cameroonian again, or possibly even find the net.

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Manchester United v Burnley odds

Manchester United - 1/2
Draw - 15/4
Burnley - 9/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.