Manchester United vs Burnley tips and predictions: Canny Cunha to stop the Red Devils' rot?

Manchester United state of play

Manchester United hit a new low as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup to fourth tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday night. 

A bleak night for Ruben Amorim saw the Red Devils trail 2-0 before Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire hit back to take the tie to penalties only for the League Two side to emerge victorious. 

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The result continued United's winless start to the season following an opening-day defeat to Arsenal and draw at Fulham in the Premier League. 

It's fair to say the pressure is building on Amorim. 

Burnley state of play

Burnley head to Old Trafford in buoyant mood following victories in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony fired the Clarets to a 2-0 defeat of fellow new boys Sunderland and bagged the team's first points of the campaign last Saturday. 

A much-changed side then progressed past Championship outfit Derby County in the second round of the cup thanks to Oliver Sonne's injury-time winner on Tuesday. 

Burnley avoided defeat on their last trip to Old Trafford in April 2024 and a point or more would give Scott Parker encouragement that his side can avoid the drop. 

Key talking point: Who will step up for the Red Devils?

Old Trafford will be in full-on crisis mode if Burnley aren't seen off. 

The hosts are heavy odds-on favourites to bag all three points, but it's likely to be much tighter than the match betting suggests. 

Burnley conceded just 16 goals in the Championship last season thanks to Scott Parker's defensive tactics and the Clarets are likely to form a low block and soak up pressure. 

Amorim's game plan of getting the ball into wide channels to open up play might not prove wholly effective and it could take individual moments of magic to break the deadlock. 

If there is space it will be in the middle of the pitch and Matheus Cunha, who has looked the liveliest of United's new additions, could be the one to answer the call. 

The Brazilian should be able to float between the lines to create and cause havoc. 

A goal is surely on the horizon as Cunha's hit the target four times from seven shots and boasts a decent xG of 0.8 from two league games. 

FIRST's top tip for Manchester United vs Burnley

Pick: Matheus Cunha to score or assist - 17/20 (BetMGM)

The former Wolves forward bagged 21 goal contributions last term and has been knocking on the door for his new club. 

Extra tips

Pick: Jaidon Anthony to have 1+ shots on target - 29/20 (BetMGM)

Burnley's winger has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, with a goal and an assist in last week's win over Sunderland. 

He has had six shots, with two hitting the target, in his two league outings and should get opportunities on the break. 

Team news

Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined for the hosts, but Noussair Mazraoui could return to the fold. 

Maxime Esteve and Lesley Ugochukwu should be fit to feature for Burnley after limping off during the Sunderland win. 

Manuel Benson is on the road to recovery, Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer could return after the international break, while Zeki Amdouni is a long-term absentee. 

Manchester United vs Burnley predicted line-ups

Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha

Burnley: Dubravka; Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Cullen; Larsen, Mejbri, Anthony; Foster

Form guide (including friendlies)

Manchester United: LWDWWDDLDD

Burnley: WWLWDLLLWW

Fancy more Premier League tips? Check out FIRST’s full breakdown of Liverpool vs Arsenal this weekend. 

FIRST’s recommended Premier League betting sites for Manchester United vs Burnley 

FIRST’s expert team have rallied and put together a list of sharp-shooting football bookmakers to get involved with ahead of Manchester United vs Burnley on Saturday 30 August.

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Odds correct at the time of writing.