Samuel joined the Manchester Evening News in 2014 and is the Chief Manchester United writer. He has broken exclusives on Jose Mourinho's appointment, the re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking, the club's interest in Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, as well as numerous other transfers and team news. He has represented the MEN on the BBC, Sky News, Sky Sports News, TalkSport, Radio 5 Live, CNN and various other media outlets worldwide. To receive Samuel's weekly newsletter for exclusive views and insight, subscribe at https://insideoldtrafford.substack.com/about
Manchester United will be determined to issue a much-needed response when they face Burnley at Old Trafford in the Premier League this afternoon.
United exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in midweek, losing 12-11 on penalties, after fighting back from 2-0 down to take the second round tie to a penalty shootout.
After Bryan Mbeumo's second effort of the shootout hit the woodwork, it meant Grimsby progressed, leaving United to focus on the Premier League until the FA Cup third round comes around in January.
Having failed to win any of their opening three games this season, United head coach Ruben Amorim is already under mounting pressure ahead of the clash with Burnley. But how do our writers think the Portuguese chief should set his team up?
Tom Heaton should start. He should have started against Arsenal and his experience with Burnley could count for something.
Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are United's best available centre backs. United need a firmer back three as they should have Kobbie Mainoo in midfield with Bruno Fernandes. Patrick Dorgu continues to start by default.
Benjamin Sesko needed a start sooner than midweek and that has cost him in today's personal line-up. Mason Mount has earned the right to keep his place in the league.
Bayindir gives you a heart attack at set-pieces and Onana is a calamity waiting to happen. With that said, I would give Heaton a go in goal against his former club.
Yoro should return after playing no part in the trip to Lincolnshire, likewise Shaw. They were both rested.
United have no choice but to attack from the off in this game, meaning Mainoo, despite the current uncertainty surrounding his future, should be deployed in midfield next to Fernandes. They should both get United up the pitch.
Mbeumo got off the mark in United colours after coming off the bench at Blundell Park and should start in attack alongside Sesko and Cunha.