Following a lackluster display against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Manchester United has now suffered defeat against a newly promoted side. As per reports, the Red Devils hosted Championship winners Burnley at Carrington for a closed-doors friendly. Despite a number of first-team players featuring, United were on the receiving end of a humiliating loss.
Reports claim that the secret match saw Erik ten Hag‘s men take on Vincent Kompany’s Clarets. While information on Burnley’s playing eleven remains scarce, the Red Devils reportedly saw participation from some prominent names. The likes of Jonny Evans, Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri all started. Despite the strong first-team representation, the side ultimately fell to a 3-0 defeat.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: #mufc lost 3-0 to Burnley in a behind closed doors match at Carrington today. Jonny Evans, Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri all started. pic.twitter.com/tq4bXVTNBi
— centredevils. (@centredevils) August 23, 2023
The result has already caused concern among the United Faithful, although they might find respite in the uncertain futures of the participating players. The likes of Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek have been linked with departures from the club. While the former was injury-ridden for most of his spell, the latter hasn’t been able to establish a foothold.
Youth talents Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri are set for loan moves away from United. The likes of Alvaro Fernandez and Scott McTominay have also been the subject of transfer speculation. Suffice it to say, United fielded a relative ‘B-team’ for the game. However, fans would’ve expected a more positive result.
Manchester United have endured a series of setbacks besides the defeat to Burnley
It has been far from a rosy week for Manchester United. The Premier League heavyweights have taken one hit after another, starting with their 2-0 defeat against Spurs. Despite a positive first half, the Red Devils conceded the game to Tottenham in tame fashion. Following the worrying loss, the team suffered a setback in the form of an injury to Mason Mount. With the midfielder sidelined, United will have to contend with second-choice options in Christian Eriksen or Scott McTominay against Arsenal.
– Lost 2-0 to Spurs
– Lost 3-0 to Burnley
– Maguire Staying
– Onana leaving for Afcon
– No midfield signing imminent
– Eriksen/Mctominay at Emiratesincredible 4 days for United fans pic.twitter.com/UKf7KSCuc9
— Lew. (@LewVisualss) August 23, 2023
To further pile on their misery, the club could be without AFCON-bound Andre Onana for nearly a month starting in January. Their transfer business remains similarly disappointing, as the club hasn’t made any solid progress towards recruiting a midfielder.