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Manchester Evening News
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Jack Flintham

Michael Owen agrees with Paul Merson over Manchester United vs Burnley score prediction

Manchester United return to action in the Premier League this evening as they travel to Burnley.

Ralf Rangnick's side will be looking to bounce back from a shock FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday night.

For Sean Dyche's men this will be their second league fixture in four days.

Burnley drew 0-0 with Watford in a result that did little to improve the fortunes of either side.

Rooted to the bottom of the league, the Clarets will be desperate to pick up three points to help their relegation battle.

Here is how both Mark Lawrenson and Paul Merson see Tuesday night's short trip to Turf Moor playing out.

Mark Lawrenson

"I thought we'd see a different Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick, and I thought they would press more - but it has not really happened," he explained to BBC Sport.

"He has had some decent results but they have not strung together a good performance under him for 90 minutes so far - with Friday's FA Cup defeat by Middlesbrough the latest example - so you are left thinking what on earth is the problem for them.

"United are still fourth, despite all their problems this season, but they will have to improve if they are going to stay there.

"If they are going to find some consistency, their players have to play their part too. At the moment, it seems as if there is no-one in the dressing room to rally them when they need it.

"Having said all that, United should still beat Burnley - who are bottom of the table with only one win all season. If they don't, it will probably be for the reasons we have seen already."

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Manchester United

Michael Owen

"The signing of Wout Weghorst is a real boost to the Burnley squad," Owen told BetVictor.

"They probably needed another striker even before Chris Wood left the club. Sean Dyche was desperate to get a couple more bodies in though, so I worry they didn’t do enough business.

"As for United, it was a window in which they didn’t get anything done. They’ve trimmed the squad a little, which in a way might not be a bad thing. At least now Rangnick can settle on an 11 without having to worry about appeasing a huge squad of players."

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Manchester United

Paul Merson

"Manchester United had a bad result against Middlesbrough, but I thought they played quite well in the first half," Merson told Sportskeeda.

"They don’t have much of an identity at the moment.

"If you’re going to play a 4-2-2-2 with a midfield two, you want someone like N'Golo Kante in there.

"I think Ralf Rangnick is trying to keep people happy at times. He’ll need to change it up and switch to a 4-3-3 eventually.

"He’s got a lot of square pegs going into round holes, and they’re all over the place if I’m being honest. He has a squad full of players he doesn’t need.

"I’m disappointed with Burnley's Premier League form this season.

"They manage to keep clean sheets, but they never look like they’re going to score.

"I’d be amazed at the highest level if Manchester United lost this game."

Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Manchester United

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