Man United vs Burnley: Three plotlines to savour before massive clash | OneFootball

Manchester United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford in what already feels like a must-win game in August.

The Red Devils have faced the Clarets 137 times in their history.

United have come out on top 67 times and lost 45 matches.

There have been 25 draws between the two sides. Here are three plotlines to sink your teeth into before the Saturday afternoon kick off.

Strong recent record against Burnley

United have found it tough-going against a lot of teams recently but have a good record against today’s opponents.

The BBC report that “Manchester United have lost just one of their last 25 home games against Burnley in all competitions (15 wins, nine draws), going down 2-0 in January 2020.”

What’s more, United also have a strong record against recently promoted sides.

The club “are unbeaten in their last 23 Premier League games against promoted sides (20 wins, three draws), since a 4-1 loss at Watford in November 2021, a loss which saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked shortly after.

Bruno Fernandes versus recently promoted sides

The Portuguese star hasn’t really got started this season.

He endured a frustrating weekend last time out in the Premier League, missing a penalty and putting in an all-round poor performance for his usually impeccable standards.

The Portugal international has been involved in 10 goals in his last eight appearances in the league against newly promoted sides.

He has four goals and six assists in that time and United will be desperate he can continue to create in the upcoming match.

“The Manchester United captain has created 41 chances across those appearances, with nine coming against Burnley in April 2024 despite not assisting in that game.”

Hannibal Mejbri returns

The Tunisian represented the club 13 times at senior level, making his debut in 2021.

He also scored one goal, a long-range strike at Old Trafford versus Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023.

The midfielder was finally sold to Burnley in 2024 and enjoyed a strong season in the Championship last year as Burnley won back promotion.

Mejbri played 39 games in total, scoring one goal.

United will hope that the combative midfielder does not come back to haunt his old side.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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