- Burnley won last PL fixture vs. Utd at Turf Moor (Aug. 2009)
- Prior to that, Burnley last beat United in 1968
- Red Devils hold 48W-16D-40L advantage in rivalry
Two teams with very different sorts of desperation kick off the Premier League weekend with a Saturday morning match, as Burnley face Manchester United at Turf Moor (Watch live on NBCSN, 7:45 a.m. ET Saturday and online via Live Extra).
The Clarets remain on the lookout for their first Premier League point since earning promotion in May, having lost to visiting Chelsea on opening weekend and falling at Swansea City in Week Two.
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As for their opponents, Louis van Gaal’s United hasn’t looked much different than David Moyes’ side (aside from formation). The Red Devils fell to Swansea City and drew Sunderland, failing to win either of its opening matches against beatable competition.
United does have the benefit of reinforcements to a beleaguered club that fell 4-0 to MK Dons in a mid-week League Cup fixture, though Argentine defender Marcos Rojo still faces work permit issues, with Angel Di Maria slated to make his Man Utd debut after sealing a near-$100 million switch from Real Madrid.
What they’re saying
Burnley manager Sean Dyche on facing a wounded United: “Whether they are under pressure or not, it will only be shown when the whistle blows as the rest of it is opinion, perception and conjecture. That’s when two teams come together and ours will be ready, organised and certainly fit enough, we know that. We want to play with quality and give a performance that can win.”
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal on new signing Angel Di Maria: “He fits into our philosophy. What he can do more to fit in our philosophy is that I can change the system with him and maybe we shall do that in the future, during a match or something like that, which I did against Swansea City. He played in Real Madrid not only as a wide wing player but also in midfield. That is also a reason why we are convinced that he shall succeed.”
Prediction
Regardless of whether Di Maria plays, it’s hard to imagine Manchester United doesn’t wake up and use its desperation as an advantage. With ADM in the lineup, it’s easy to expect rejuvenation and fireworks from an attack that will reap the benefits of one of the best 1v1 players in the world. Call it 3-1 to the Red Devils.