As the press continue to report on United's impending doom both on and off the pitch, Old Trafford hosts its first Premier League game of the season on Saturday.

Lancashire neighbours Burnley make the short trip to Manchester - with surprise appointment Laws taking charge of his first game after Owen Coyle swapped Turf Moor for the Reebok Stadium.

Many Burnley fans have been less than impressed with the appointment of Laws. Having been axed by Sheffield Wednesday last year, he is not widely regarded as the man to save the newly-promoted club from the drop this season.

However, if Laws opens up his Burnley account with anything other than a defeat at United, he will win over a huge section of Burnley's loyal support.

Unsurprisingly, the Clarets are massive outsiders with the bookies. United, though, are certainly not on scintillating form - without a win in 2010 so far and having picked up only three wins from seven attempts.

United have been boosted by the news that Edwin van der Sar is available, though Ferguson may choose to keep Tomasz Kuszczak between the sticks after the Pole pulled off a string of decent performances in recent weeks.

Ferdinand, Hargreaves and O'Shea remain long-term absentees, but United may welcome back Nani and Nemanja Vidic from their injury troubles.

Fletcher will watch from the sidelines as he serves a one-match suspension following his red card at Birmingham.

With Arsenal and Aston Villa in action on Sunday, and Man City not playing until 5.30pm on Saturday, United have the opportunity to pull away from the chasing pack. The Reds could even go top of the tree if Chelsea fail to beat Steve Bruce's Sunderland at home.

Will the Reds get back to winning ways? Join in the debate on the messageboard.

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