Form guide: Manchester United vs Burnley (Carabao Cup) 

After a long-awaited return, Manchester United are back in action at Old Trafford, as they host top of the Championship Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth-round. 

It’s been five weeks since Alejandro Garnacho’s winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage, as the Qatar 2022 World Cup has taken centre stage on the footballing calendar. 

Since then, Manchester United have played two friendlies in the southwest of Spain — losing both 4-2 and 1-0, respectively. 

Before the Premier League season broke off for the World Cup, Erik ten Hag’s men were on a good run. 

Winning the last four of their last five competitive games, with triumphs against West Ham United, Real Sociedad, Aston Villa and Fulham, as mentioned above, highlighting the progress being shown. 

United welcome Burnley at Old Trafford on the 21st of December for the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Whilst their northwest rivals in Burnley have already resumed their title charge in the Championship, with two comfortable victories against Queens Park Rangers and Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough extending their lead on top of the table to three points.

Like United, before the World Cup commenced, Burnley had won four of their last five competitive games — the only loss coming against Sheffield United in a 5-2 defeat at Bramall Lane.

Vincent Kompany’s side has been impressive throughout his few months in charge, with an evident change to a more progressive playing style being the prominent aspect lauded about the Belgian’s tenure.

In terms of the competition, Manchester United entered the Carabao Cup in the third round against Aston Villa.

They eased past the West Midlands outfit in a 4-2 win, which included two assists for the young Garnacho.

As for Burnley, they entered the league cup in the second round. Initially edging out a 1-0 win away against Shrewsbury and then beating Crawley Town 3-1 to set up a tie at Old Trafford eventually.

Manchester United’s fitness will be tested in their encounter against Burnley, with the latter already having two competitive games under their belt before the domestic league full resumption.

However, a leading Premier League side like United will ultimately challenge their easier run against lower league sides in the competition.