---
title: "Manchester United v Burnley: Five things to look out for"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/02/10/manchester-united-v-burnley-five-things-to-look-out-for/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Previews"
published: "2015-02-10T20:37:51Z"
modified: "2015-04-14T16:14:58Z"
---

# Manchester United v Burnley: Five things to look out for

Manchester United look to extend a five game unbeaten run and will hope for a little more success than last time around in the reverse fixture, to avoid having to look over their shoulder for Southampton side snapping at their heels. Goals galore if you would (on our part, of course). Here are five things to look out for;

1. **Marouane Fellaini**

Super-sub Fellaini played his part in a last gasp equaliser at Upton Park and undoubtedly isn’t one to beat about the bush. His ability to provide ‘more power’ than the slender likes of Di Maria and Januzaj may often act as a last resort but we can’t stand paying good money to observe another 70 minutes or so of a starting XI that barely turn up. Why not introduce that element of creativity in the latter stages and give Fellaini a run?  It would do that career revival a world of good. The manager has already divulged his consideration of starting the midfielder.

2. **Di Maria dropped?**

Fair enough, who’s ever content when playing out of position? And the Argentinian international certainly commands the superiority to have his wishes granted by his fairy godmother (in the not-as-elegant form of van Gaal). Only able to materialise one chance, however – which, by the way, didn’t even prove the only goal for the Red Devils – is simple not up to scratch. Is it time to prioritise Rooney’s needs and push him further up field and allow Di Maria to sit this one out? For ‘a rest,’ obviously…

3. **An opportunity to restore faith**

Whilst some may argue United have had only a matter of scant days, since a poor performance that saw their beloved club discard the prospect of reclaiming third spot, that fate should not be delayed for too long, if the gaffer’s team talk had anything to do with it. In current circumstances, West Ham aren’t an easy set of lads to come up against so surely basement-Burnley should be three points in the bag for this Manchester United side? I would advise you to hedge your bets, on the other hand, after all, football is full of surprises but save us elongated ‘squeaky-bum’ time and let’s dare to dream again with a comfortable win here.

4. **Actual attempts at passing**

No more long ball! Pretty please. It’s coming under criticism from not only Manchester United’s own fans but rival managers too now. Actions speak louder than words and whilst ‘Big Sam’ slams the 83 played against his men – 83 in comparison to 45, yikes – van Gaal can face the press accompanied by his pamphlets, this needs to be exhibited on Wednesday night. We aren’t playing Sunday League, you have one job with your 60 per cent of possession, one job lads.

5. **Three man defence**

Luke Shaw’s dismissal on Sunday means United are short of options at the left-back position and will most likely plug the gap with all too impressive Daley Blind, versatile is his middle name. Don’t speak too soon but a limited defence shouldn’t prove too much of a concern against Burnley. However, the question remains – with the additional setback of Carrick’s absence – of who can fill our ace’s boots and take up a demanding mantle of shielding a backline which will most likely consist of Valencia, Jones and Blind.