Man United: Rangnick tipped to make key change v Burnley after crushing Fred blow confirmed – pundit
Ralf Rangnick could select a “more attacking option” to replace Fred when Man United take on Burnley tonight, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old’s replacement will need to be capable of breaking down a “stubborn” Clarets defence.
As confirmed by Man United yesterday (7 February), Brazillian pair Fred and Alex Telles are isolating after contracting COVID-19 and will miss tonight’s clash against Burnley.
Speaking in a press conference yesterday, Rangnick said it is “important to have a player like Paul Pogba available again” following the double blow.
The France international midfielder has registered seven assists in nine Premier League games this term.
Whelan claimed the duo’s absence will have no bearing on tonight’s result.
“They’ve got a big enough squad to replace those players,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I don’t think two absences is really going to change their fortunes right now. They should win the game, but they may well find it very difficult to break down that Burnley side.
“Fred has shown a vast improvement this season, but Scott McTominay is in there and just as capable of playing that holding midfield role.
“They could change it up, and Rangnick could go with a more attacking option against Burnley.
“They’re a stubborn side who will be trying to get anything out of the game, so they’ll need someone capable of breaking down defences.”
Fit-again Pogba played 82 minutes on Friday (4 February) as Man United fell to FA Cup defeat against Middlesbrough.
The Red Devils sit fourth in the Premier League, one point clear of fifth-placed West Ham.
In other news, pundit predicts Mauricio Pochettino could have ‘sizeable funds’ at Man United this summer.