For this weekend’s Premier League fixture, Manchester United with kick off at Burnley FC on Sunday 23 April 2017. Kickoff is 16:15 local time. The Red Devils head to the Turf Moor seeking a better result than their 0-0 draw in the first meeting.
Burnley FC are currently 14th in the table, and that match is perfectly paradigmatic of what’s held United back this season- home draws to mid and low table teams.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out for the season, as he’s reportedly suffered knee ligament damage. According to ESPN FC, the Swede will require surgery and who won’t be able to play again until January 2018.
It’s possible that he may have played his final game in a United shirt too. His future is up in the air, as he signed only a one year deal at Old Trafford. There will be a host of clubs interested in acquiring his services, including both of the Los Angeles franchises in American Major League Soccer.
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata are all out long term. Marcos Rojo is also now on the shelf, and it’s been reported that he could gone for the season, due to his having suffered cruciate ligament damage. In looking to fill all the voids manager Jose Mourinho suggests that Wayne Rooney, and the leadership that he provides will now be more important than ever.
The full YouTube of the entire Mourinho media session can be found at this link. Also, here’s the link to our MUFC starting XI prediction.
Odds via Odds Checker: Man United 4/6, draw 3/1, Burnley 21/4
Prediction: United 1, Burnley 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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