Under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal is not finding life simple in England. After the 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup this week, one would assert that things couldn’t get any worse for the Dutchman and Manchester United.
Well, cheer up Louis, because even though it’s away from home, you’ve got Burnley this weekend, a side who also suffered defeat to a lower-division side in the Capital One Cup this week. However, anything less than three points would mean the support calling for your head and probably another awkward meeting with Ed Woodward.
It could be worse for United in that they are lucky they don’t play a nightmare fixture following two already rather lenient games to start the season. Manchester United have to take it one match at a time, and regardless of their recent form, should take care of business at Turf Moor on Saturday.
As I mentioned earlier, Burnley were stunned by Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup in front of a lackluster crowd at Turf Moor. Even thought it was just a cup game, you would think the supporters would turn up to support their side. On Saturday, don’t expect a half-empty stadium, but know that the support for the recently-promoted club is not what it should be.
A week one defeat to Chelsea was almost a formality, but last weeks fixture against Swansea was hotly contested. Although Nathan Dyer scored the only goal of the game in the first half, the second period was dominated by the Clarets.
From a Burnley perspective, this fixture could mean a great deal to them. If they were to grab a point or perhaps stun Manchester United as bottom-feeder clubs are so accustomed to, it could be a springboard for them.
If they lose, it's far from the end of the World...they're Burnley, not Manchester United after all. The Clarets will come out and attack, with Danny Ings leading the line against a United side seriously lacking confidence.
On the other side of the ball, Van Gaal will likely have Argentinian signings Marcos Rojo and record signing Angel Di Maria available for selection, and if that’s not a boost to the club I don’t know what is.
Di Maria led La Liga by a wide margin with 17 assists last year, and was man of the match in the Champions League final. His impact for Argentina in the World Cup was immense, while his injury absence from the semifinal and final were noticeable.
Di Maria’s offensive prowess is well-documented, and people have been comparing his new role to that of Arjen Robben under Van Gaal. What makes Di Maria better than the Dutchman is his willingness to defend at times, something which earned him starts in the middle of the pitch last season after Gareth Bale was bought from Tottenham.
As for Rojo, he immediately becomes arguably Manchester United’s best defender. Rojo starred under Alejandro Sabella in Brazil, also showing he can play on both sides of the ball to devastating effect. However, he is just one player, and his impact can only be felt at one position.
Rojo’s versatility will make him an excellent tool in Van Gaal’s constantly changing tactical scheme, but with the recent run of injuries to almost every midfielder at the club, the focus of concern is slurring between defense and the midfield.
Finally, it remains to be seen how United will line up with their new star player in the fold. United have a wealth of attacking talent in Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, and now Di Maria. The key will be integrating Di Maria while maintaining a defensive presence in the back.
Against MK Dons, Manchester United were made up of either untested academy players or men Van Gaal is phasing out of the club; hardly a side with any motivation or confidence.
Right now, Van Gaal doesn’t have the luxury of selecting his best players with all the injuries. It is imperative that the Dutchman instill it in all eleven players on the pitch that laziness or complacency will not be tolerated. I expect United to take three points from this game, but it will not be easy at all. United will grab the early lead, Burnley will fight back, but come up just short. 2-1 Red Devils.
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