*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
There isn’t a human being on this planet with an ounce of sense that really believes Manchester United can catch their cross-town rivals. That much is clear and it’s sentiment I echo.
But that wasn’t the goal coming into the year and that hasn’t changed either. For once it feels like United are far less concerned about the teams around them being better than them (they are) and just focusing on themselves improving (they also are).
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However, in order for that strategy to bear fruit, it really does require some level of payoff. If you can’t absorb the hype, you should at least feel your team are moving closer – and a win here puts them just a single-figure points tally behind Guardiola. Symbolically, this game is huge.
But let’s spare a thought for Burnley, who might seem like they’ve been their same old selves this year, but their performances have been anything but Burnley-esque. The narrative suggests they’re just seven points from relegation, but the fairer point to make is that they’re just five points off 12th.
If United play Burnley like they used to, they might find themselves losing yet another PR battle because they ignored a side changing their identity, much like themselves. Here’s a Bet Builder for you to cash in on the evolution of Lancashire football.
Sunday 4pm: Manchester United v Burnley
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Man United to Win
As Manchester United finally move on from Alex Ferguson ten years too late, it’s fair to say that they’re doing so out of an abundance of talent rather than the managerial excellence of any given Norwegian. He’s a nice fella, our Ole, but he doesn’t wear Stone Island like Pep or chew with the same ferocity of Brendan Rodgers – so he’ll never quite be the flavour of the month.
But in spite of him, you could easily make the argument that Manchester United possess the best XI in the entire league outside of Liverpool. And that’s enough to see them through here with a Man Utd win, especially as Burnley’s poor results away from home come exclusively against the best sides.
Over 4.5 Goals
Going back to Burnley – they’re now as expansive as ever, and should benefit from a lack of focus at the back from Manchester United, who had a midweek Europa League test. They’ll certainly be missing Dwight McNeill who is far too good to be living in a town with more pubs than people, and Nick Pope’s shaky status means that he’ll not be at the peak of his powers if gets the nod at all. Expect plenty of action with Over 4.5 Goals.
Both Teams to Score
Burnley don’t sit back, folks. It’s a myth. Please remove it from your memory. In fact, they’ve scored in each of their last five Premier League games – scoring in the first half of each game. They mean business and I expect Both Teams to Score here.
Edinson Cavani to Have Two or More Shots on Target
As alluded to above, Burnley’s goalkeeping worry should be music to United’s ears and there isn’t a better man at finding the target from near-improbable angles than the Uruguayan. I think Edinson Cavani will Have Two or More Shots on Target in this one.
I often wonder how Diego Forlan feels. He’s probably the only Uruguayan to ever not be the best Uruguayan player at a non-Uruguayan football club. Well, him and big Seb Coates. Tough break, mate.
Tips for Man Utd v Burnley
Man Utd to Win
Over 4.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Edinson Cavani to Have Two or More Shots on Target
These selections in a four-fold Bet Builder will give you odds of around 12/1 with Paddy Power.
Bet Builder Acca Insurance
If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Sunday’s Football Tips
- Football Tips: Phil Thompson’s heavenly 7/2 treble for Sunday’s big games
- Football Tips: Our 3 firm picks for Rangers v Celtic on Sunday
- Football Tips: Phil Thompson’s 3 FA Cup crackers for Leicester v Southampton
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