Don't expect goals at Old Trafford

Manchester United round off an ultimately disappointing 2021 with a home Premier League clash against Burnley.

Interim boss Ralf Rangnick preserved his undefeated record on Monday with a 1-1 draw at Newcastle, but there is little sense that big strides are currently being made at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, they are 1.42 favourites to overcome Burnley at home, with the visitors 10.5 outsiders. A draw is on offer at 5.2.

A low-scoring game looks on the cards, with Under 2.5 goals priced at 2.2 an attractive figure.

Rangnick’s slow but steady start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have been sacked, but Manchester United have yet to be revolutionised under Ralf Rangnick. Slender victories over Norwich and Crystal Palace plus draws against Young Boys and Newcastle is far from a disaster, but under Rangnick, the Red Devils have yet to score more than once in a single game.

Goalkeeper David de Gea was again important in preserving a point during Monday’s tie at St James’ Park, a match in which United enjoyed much of the ball but little of the threat.

This is a team still feeling its way back to form and the brief winter break following this encounter and Monday’s home clash with Wolves will be welcome.

Man United have found goals hard to come by under Ralf Rangnick, although Cristiano Ronaldo will be trying to change that against Burnley

Postponement uncertainty for Burnley

Burnley’s festive calendar has been dramatically altered by postponements. The last time Sean Dyche’s side took to the field was on December 12. Since then, fixtures with Watford, Aston Villa and Everton have all been pushed back due to Covid cases in their opponents’ squads.

The Clarets should have fresh legs, but there is also the prospect of rustiness ahead of this short hop to Old Trafford.

Although they post just one Premier League win, they have been difficult to beat, and have lost just two of their last 10 matches - they will fancy their chances of making life difficult for their misfiring hosts on Thursday.

Back a low-scoring game

Logic suggests that Manchester United should win this game, though probably by a narrow margin. The Red Devils have not won any of their last nine home games by more than a single goal. Burnley, meanwhile, have only conceded once in their last three games.

Worth considering, then, are odds of 2.3 on Man Utd / No on the Winner and both teams to score market.

Another possibility are odds of 1.7 on the Asian Handicap market for Burnley +1.5.

Supporting Under 2.5 goals is arguably the best value option. This has been a winner in five of Man Utd’s last seven Premier League matches and six of Burnley’s last nine. Additionally, three of the last four between the clubs have ended with fewer than three goals.

Recommended Bets:

Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.2