Last updated on August 31, 2025
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Both teams are likely to approach the match cautiously, aiming to avoid defeat while seeking opportunities to capitalize on any mistakes.
Image credit: Jfreeg
As the Premier League season progresses, Manchester United finds itself under pressure to secure its first league win of the 2025/26 campaign.
The upcoming match against Burnley at Old Trafford presents an opportunity for the Red Devils to rebound from recent setbacks.
Burnley, newly promoted to the Premier League, will be eager to prove themselves against one of England’s most storied clubs.
Table of Contents
Current Form
Under manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United has experienced a challenging start to the season.
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The team is yet to secure a Premier League victory, with recent performances lacking the fluidity and intensity expected at Old Trafford.
The midweek Carabao Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, decided by a penalty shootout, highlighted vulnerabilities in both attack and defense.
Despite significant summer investments, including the signings of Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the team has struggled to find consistency.
Manager Amorim faces mounting pressure to bounce back and deliver a positive result against Burnley.
It might feel early, but some fans are already questioning whether Amorim is the right man for the job.
Image credit: 17
Burnley enters this match with a sense of optimism, having secured back-to-back victories in the league and Carabao Cup.
The team’s recent form suggests a well-organized unit capable of competing at the highest level.
While the Clarets are still getting used to Premier League demands, their resilience and tactical discipline have been evident.
A solid defensive foundation and a midfield that can control the tempo will be crucial as they aim to challenge United at Old Trafford.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Manchester United has had the upper hand in encounters with Burnley.
Out of 137 meetings, United has won 67, while Burnley has secured 45 victories.
Every promoted side in the Premier League has already picked up a league win this season before Manchester United 😳
— THE NÁRCI$$I$T🤫 😈 (@CaplesswithSAM) August 25, 2025
Sunderland ✅
Burnley ✅
Leeds ✅
Man Utd ❌
this hasn’t happened in years.
Is Man U cursed or something? pic.twitter.com/N9TiiDDJKK
At Old Trafford, United boasts an impressive record, with only one loss in the last 25 home matches against newly-promoted teams, the sole defeat occurring in January 2020.
However, Burnley’s recent form and determination suggest they will not be easily intimidated.
Tactical Preview
Amorim is likely to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling possession and breaking down Burnley’s defensive lines.
The midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes will be pivotal in dictating the game’s tempo.
With the attacking prowess of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Højlund, United aims to create width and exploit spaces behind Burnley’s defense.
Defensively, the team must address recent lapses to ensure stability.
Burnley’s approach will likely center around a compact 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities.
Midfielders such as Josh Cullen and Samuel Bastien will play key roles in disrupting United’s build-up play.
Up front, Zeki Amdouni and Lyle Foster’s pace and movement will be crucial in exploiting any spaces left by United’s attacking full-backs.
Injury & Squad News
- Unavailable: Rasmus Højlund is set to join Napoli on loan, which may impact United’s attacking options.
- Doubts: Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes are expected to feature, but their match fitness remains to be seen.
For Burnley, no significant injuries reported; the squad is expected to be at full strength.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes (C), Kobbie Mainoo
- Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, Amad Diallo
Burnley (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Martin Dúbravka
- Defenders: Kyle Walker, Joe Worrall, Maxime Estève, Axel Tuanzebe
- Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Samuel Bastien, Luca Koleosho, Jaidon Anthony
- Forwards: Zeki Amdouni, Lyle Foster
Key Stats
- Manchester United has won 67 of the 137 matches played against Burnley, with Burnley securing 45 victories.
- United are unbeaten in their last 23 matches against newly-promoted teams in the Premier League, with their last such defeat occurring in November 2021 against Watford.
- Burnley are winless in their last seven meetings with United, with their last victory over them dating back to January 2020.
Prediction
Considering Manchester United’s current form and Burnley’s recent performances, a 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome.
United’s attacking options and home advantage may be offset by Burnley’s disciplined defense and counter-attacking threats.
Both teams are likely to approach the match cautiously, aiming to avoid defeat while seeking opportunities to capitalize on any mistakes.
How to Watch
In the UK, the match will not be televised live due to the 3:00 PM Saturday blackout.
However, fans can catch free highlights on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel at 5:15 PM, with Match of the Day airing on BBC One at 10:20 PM.
Conclusion
The upcoming match between Manchester United and Burnley presents an intriguing contest.
