The Premier League resumes midweek action with a crucial clash at Turf Moor, where relegation-threatened Burnley host Manchester United on January 7, 2026.
Burnley, sitting 19th with just 12 points from
20 matches, are in dire straits, enduring an 11-game winless streak (nine losses) that includes recent defeats to Brighton (2-0) and Newcastle (3-1), alongside draws with Everton and Bournemouth. Their form reads LLDDLL, highlighting defensive frailties and a lack of firepower, having scored only once in their last four home games.
Manchester United, in contrast, occupy sixth place, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and three behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Their recent form is WDLWDD, including a 1-1 draw at Leeds to open 2026, a 1-1 stalemate with Wolves, and a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle. The Red Devils are navigating turbulence after sacking Ruben Amorim on Monday due to underwhelming results (38.1% win rate) and internal issues. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher steps in as interim manager, aiming for a "new manager bounce" by shifting from Amorim's 3-4-3 to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 setup.
Burnley vs Man United Head-to-Head History
Historically, United dominate this fixture, unbeaten in their last eight visits to Turf Moor (six wins, two draws), with Burnley's sole home Premier League victory over them dating back to August 2009 (1-0 via Robbie Blake). The reverse meeting this season ended 3-2 to United at Old Trafford, sealed by a 97th-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty. Overall head-to-head: Burnley 45 wins, United 68, 25 draws.
Burnley vs Man United Team News
Burnley are ravaged by absences, one of the league's hardest-hit squads. Key injuries include Josh Cullen (knee, out for the season), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Connor Roberts (calf), Joe Worrall (muscle), Zian Flemming (knock/muscle), and Jordan Beyer (hamstring). Maxime Esteve is doubtful but could return. On the international front, Axel Tuanzebe remains at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with DR Congo, but Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) and Lyle Foster (South Africa) are back after their nations' eliminations-though their immediate involvement is uncertain.
For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are poised for squad returns from injury, potentially boosting midfield creativity, though starts are unlikely. Absentees include Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Matthijs de Ligt (back), and Harry Maguire (thigh) through injury. AFCON commitments sideline Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui. Fletcher could lean on Lisandro Martinez in defense and Benjamin Sesko up top.
Burnley vs Man United Prediction
Given Burnley's abysmal form, extensive injury list, and poor home record against United, the visitors should capitalize despite their own transitions and absences. United's superior squad depth, potential returns of key players like Fernandes, and historical edge point to a comfortable away win. However, United have kept just two clean sheets this season, so Burnley might nick a goal amid the chaos. Expect Fletcher to secure a debut victory, but not without some tension.
Predicted result: Burnley 1-2 Man United
