4-3-3: This attacking United line-up will crush Burnley in Fletcher’s first match in charge

Darren Fletcher will take charge of Manchester United against Burnley tomorrow evening in the first match of the post-Ruben Amorim era at the club. Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt are both reportedly back in training, but it would be unwise for Fletcher to rush either player back for the match at Turf Moor. One thing that seems almost inevitable is that United will revert to a back four system. However, with Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo also injured, and Nouss Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad all still at AFCON, Fletcher is not likely to make too many changes to the starting XI. Defence Senne Lammens will be in goal. The back four is likely to remain unchanged, with Diogo Dalot at right-back, Luke Shaw at left-back, and Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez as the centre-backs. Leny Yoro is another option. Yoro had seen his stock plummet recently under Amorim, who pulled him from the starting XI after some sub-par performances. Heaven, by contrast, won December’s player of the month award but was culpable for the Leeds United goal on Sunday. In reality, either of the pair could partner Martinez. Midfield and attack Fletcher will probably play with three in midfield: a twin pivot and an attacking midfielder. The pivot will likely remain Casemiro and Manu Ugarte. If Fernandes does not return from injury, Josh Zirkzee is the most obvious choice to play in the hole after his transformative performance at Elland Road. The other option at Fletcher’s disposal is his own son, Jack. Matheus Cunha will no doubt continue on the left side of the attack, with Patrick Dorgu on the right and Ben Sesko up top. Fletcher might want to make a statement by fielding an academy player or two, with Shea Lacey an obvious contender for a starting berth. Final thoughts No-one is returning from injury, although Fernandes could make a late push. A four-at-the-back formation is inevitable, with 4-3-3 the most likely. Heaven vs Yoro for the right centre-back role. Zirkzee is likely to get a chance from the start. Fletcher will be speaking to the press this lunchtime, check back here at The Peoples Person at just after 1.30pm for his comments. Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.