Mansion Sports – The post-Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United will officially begin as the Red Devils travel to face relegation-threatened Burnley in the continuation of the 2025/2026 Premier League matchday 21.

The match is scheduled to take place at Turf Moor on Wednesday, 07 January 2026 at 20.15 local time.

Amorim was dismissed from his position as head coach on Monday, with Darren Fletcher appointed as interim manager, and the former Manchester United midfielder will lead the team in gameweek 21.

Before this match kicks off, let us take a look at Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Burnley vs Manchester United January 2026 lineups below.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Burnley

Burnley will enter Wednesday’s match on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that extended their winless run in the top tier of English football to 11 matches.

Scott Parker’s side enjoyed back-to-back victories against Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in late October, but have failed to secure another win since then, suffering nine defeats in their last 11 Premier League matches, a clear reflection of their struggles at the lower end of the table.

The Clarets have collected just 12 points from 20 matches, leaving them stuck in 19th place in the Premier League standings, six points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who will face 18th-placed West Ham United on Tuesday night.

Burnley recorded a victory in their first-ever Premier League home match against Manchester United in August 2009, but since then they have failed to win any of their last eight meetings with the Red Devils at Turf Moor, losing six times and scoring just one goal.

In the first meeting between the two sides this season, Burnley suffered a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford in a Premier League encounter where Bruno Fernandes, who could return from injury for this match, scored a 97th-minute penalty to secure all three points for the Red Devils.

Manchester United

The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. The situation appeared increasingly difficult to resolve when Amorim publicly criticised the club’s hierarchy following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday, although it still came as a surprise when the Portuguese coach lost his job on Monday morning.

Amorim departed Manchester United with the club sitting sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, leaving the top-four race very much alive despite a demanding run of fixtures ahead.

Fletcher will take charge of Manchester United for Wednesday’s match against Burnley and is also scheduled to oversee the team’s FA Cup clash with Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, although it remains unclear whether another interim coach will be appointed before the two challenging Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal later this month.

A permanent replacement for Amorim is not expected to arrive until the summer, but whoever takes charge over the coming months will have a crucial task in ensuring the club returns to European competition for the 2026–27 season.

Fletcher’s first test as manager begins at Turf Moor, and supporters may have reason for optimism, as a change in formation is almost certain to be implemented this week.

Burnley vs Manchester United Predicted Lineups – January 2026

Burnley (4-3-3)

The hosts are not in ideal condition, as Burnley are currently one of the teams most affected by player absences.

Josh Cullen (knee), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Connor Roberts (calf), Axel Tuanzebe (AFCON), Hannibal Mejbri (AFCON), Lyle Foster (AFCON), Joe Worrall (muscle), Zian Flemming (muscle), and Jordan Beyer (hamstring) are all confirmed to be unavailable.

However, The Clarets are hopeful that Maxime Esteve can return to action after the 23-year-old defender missed the match against Brighton due to injury.

Jaidon Anthony has scored four goals during the 2025–26 season, and the home side will once again be relying heavily on the forward to provide inspiration.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

For Manchester United, Amorim stated after the draw against Leeds that Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount could return to the squad following injury, with the captain potentially slotting straight back into the starting lineup.

Bryan Mbeumo (AFCON), Amad Diallo (AFCON), and Noussair Mazraoui (AFCON) remain unavailable, while Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Matthijs de Ligt (back), and Harry Maguire (thigh) are expected to miss out through injury.

Fletcher is likely to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Patrick Dorgu potentially operating on the right flank, while Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko lead the attacking line.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have formed a fairly solid midfield partnership in recent matches, and the lack of alternatives in central midfield could see the pair start together once again, while Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez may be deployed as centre-backs.

In conclusion, this match represents an important starting point for Manchester United under the guidance of their interim manager, as well as an opportunity for Burnley to recover from their ongoing struggles.

With the contrasting situations of both teams, the clash at Turf Moor is certain to deliver a compelling narrative that should not be missed.