4-2-3-1: Predicted Man United XI under Darren Fletcher vs Burnley

Manchester United have started 2026 in the worst possible way by sacking manager Ruben Amorim.

Whether that decision proves inspired or disastrous is a debate for another day.

For now, the club must move forward, with Darren Fletcher stepping into the spotlight as interim head coach.

The former United midfielder only took charge of the Under-18 side at the start of the season, making this promotion a dramatic leap.

His youth team has consistently operated with a back four, and that philosophy is expected to carry over into the senior set-up.

The Red Devils will next face Burnley at Turf Moor on 7 January.

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens

Lammens will be tasked with quickly adapting to a back-four system, while playing a crucial role in building attacks from deep.

Defence

Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw

With Noussair Mazraoui away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Dalot has a clear pathway back into the starting XI at right-back.

Heaven and Martinez could be paired at the heart of defence, despite both being naturally left-footed.

At left-back, Shaw remains the undisputed first choice, with Patrick Dorgu still refining his defensive positioning.

Midfield

Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee

Casemiro and Ugarte are expected to retain their places in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo sidelined.

The experienced duo are far more comfortable operating as a double pivot in front of a traditional back four.

Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best number 10 in the world. Amorim had already confirmed that the Portuguese international could play for a few minutes at Turf Moor.

Zirkzee is likely to start in the advanced midfield role but may make way for Fernandes as the game progresses.

Attack

Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko

Matheus Cunha is expected to start on the left wing and bring directness to the attack by cutting inside.

On the opposite wing, Patrick Dorgu could be deployed out of necessity, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo still unavailable.

Leading the line will be Benjamin Sesko, as supporters hope the young striker can finally rediscover his scoring touch.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .