Just three games into the new season, Manchester United are coming into this game amidst something of a crisis. United are coming into this game off the back of a defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, a result that has sparked a media frenzy. There were already doubts surrounding the Portuguese manager at the start of the season, and while many were willing to give him time, such a poor start to the season seems to have evaporated all confidence in him.
- Date: 30/08/2025
- Kick-off: 3:00pm
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
Despite losing 0-1, they started the season fairly well with a good performance at home to Arsenal, but the team soon slipped back into old habits with an uninspiring showing in a 1-1 draw away at Fulham. It was Wednesday night's game at Grimsby, though, that really did the damage, where United lost 12-11 on penalties following a 2-2 draw, a game that United could've (and arguably should've) lost in normal time, despite coming from 2-0 down to salvage a draw.
Part owner Jim Ratcliffe has reaffirmed his backing of Amorim heading into this weekend's game, but another poor showing and poor result here might be a step too far for some.
Burnley come into this game with three points from two games. Scott Parker's side began the season with a 3-0 loss away at Tottenham, before claiming a huge three points in a 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend, where goals from Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony got the job done.
Burnley have it all to do to secure survival in the league this season, but they'll be more than happy with the start they've made to the season. The team's peformance away at Tottenham was impressive in parts, despite the poor result, and the win over Sunderland was absolutely crucial.
Fans will be hoping that the team can recruit more quality before the end of the transfer window, but they'll also be excited to see the effects of new signings who've not played much in the league yet, such as Armando Broja.
Much has been made of Burnley's outstanding defensive record in the Championship last season, where they conceded just 16 goals in 46 games, and they'll need to utilise that this season if they're to stay in this league. They'll be hoping they can use those qualities to frustrate Man United at Old Trafford this weekend in the knowledge of the pressure that this game holds for the Red Devils.
