Man Utd predicted line-up vs Burnley: Two changes made after Amorim sacking as Fernandes faces fitness battles

Manchester United begin life after Ruben Amorim with a midweek trip to Turf Moor – but interim manager Darren Fletcher seems likely to have a limited squad to choose from for Wednesday’s game against Burnley between injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Eight first-team players are either out or doubts, although there is at least some chance that Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount return to the side, while Kobbie Mainoo will be hoping to prove his fitness and to re-establish his place in the team after he was cast aside under Amorim.

We’ve got the latest Manchester United team news and predicted line-up for their match against Burnley below, along with details of when the club’s AFCON contingent could return to the fold.

Will Bruno Fernandes be fit to play against Burnley?

With so many key players already unavailable, the hamstring injury which Bruno Fernandes suffered against Aston Villa just before Christmas has proven to be a bitter blow for Manchester United – he has missed three matches as a result of the issue, of which United have won just one.

Similarly, attacking midfielder Mason Mount has also been absent for the last two games after picking up a knock against Newcastle on Boxing Day. The precise nature of the injury was not revealed by the club.

During his post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, however, Amorim told the media – when he wasn’t blowing up his reign with criticisms of the board - that he would “expect to have some minutes for Bruno [Fernandes] and Mason Mount maybe, we will see – they are players who are ready to help us.”

Both players are considered doubts for the game against Burnley but it’s hoped that they will be able to return to training ahead of the game and at least give their interim coach a decision to make on game day.

Kobbie Mainoo injury update – and when Bryan Mbeumo will return for Man United

Three other first-team players are severe doubts for the game against Burnley, including midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who sustained a calf injury against Villa in December – the 20-year-old, who may have more to gain from Amorim’s departure than any other Manchester United player, is not expected to feature against Burnley but should be back in training this week and back in the squad shortly thereafter.

There is even less likelihood that centre-halves Harry Maguire (hamstring) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) are involved. Neither defender has been involved since November and their recoveries are taking longer than initially expected, with Amorim telling the press on Friday that the pair were “struggling a little bit.” No definitive target date has been provided for either player, but while they are not expected to be absent for too much longer, the short trip to Burnley will come too soon.

United are also waiting to welcome back there players who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Nouassir Mazraoui’s Morocco have already progressed to the quarter-finals after defeating Tanzania on Sunday, meaning that the earliest the full-back could return would be the Manchester Derby on 17 January, while he would also miss that match should the host nation make it as far as the semi-finals.

Ivorian players Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, meanwhile, are in action on Tuesday evening when their country takes on Burkina Faso in the last 16 – should the Ivory Coast be defeated, then the pair could return for the FA Cup third round game against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend. Win, and the timeline for their return will be the same as Mazraoui’s.

Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Burnley: Lammens; Martínez, Yoro, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Cunha, Šeško.