Manchester United have had a far from ideal start to the 2025/26 campaign, with no victories in three games and a truly embarrassing result this week.
After a 1-0 loss against Arsenal in their opening Premier League fixture and a 1-1 draw against Fulham in their second, the Red Devils were eliminated from the second round of the Carabao Cup on August 27.
United lost 12-11 on penalties against League Two club Grimsby Town after fighting back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to draw 2-2. Now, they host newly promoted club Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30 in a game that feels significant to Ruben Amorim's future as head coach.
Burnley, meanwhile, have had a good week or so after suffering a 3-0 defeat in their opening game at Tottenham. They beat Sunderland 2-0 before edging out Derby County 2-1 in the Carabao Cup this Tuesday.
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United and Burnley have faced each other in 18 Premier League matches, with the Red Devils bagging 10 victories while the Clarets managed two wins. The remaining six games ended in a draw.
Man United vs. Burnley lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
United's injury list remains short. Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury back in February, and Noussair Mazraoui, who has been sidelined since sustaining a thigh problem during United's opening preseason friendly against Leeds United, are almost certainly out.
Considering their humiliating defeat against Grimsby Town, Amorim is expected to take no risks and have his key players on the pitch in hopes of securing a much-needed win.
While making his first appearance of the season in the EFL Cup, Andre Onana made some significant errors in goal and may be benched in favour of Altay Bayindir.
Man United predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Bayindir (GK) — Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw — Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu — Mbuemo, Cunha — Sesko
Injured: Martinez (ACL), Mazraoui (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
While they have not suffered any new issues this month, Burnley still have outstanding injuries in the squad. Benson Manuel has been out with Achilles tendon problems since last season, and Zeki Amdouni sustained a cruciate ligament tear in July.
The Clarets' backline is missing Bashir Humphreys, who is facing thigh problems, and Connor Roberts, who suffered a groin injury in June. Jordan Beyer has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, with a possibility of returning next month.
Armando Broja is also missing due to fitness issues.
The Clarets' lineup is expected to be the same as their 2-0 win against Sunderland in the league last week.
Burnley predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Dubravka (GK) — Walker, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman — Ugochukwu, Cullen — Larsen, Mejbri, Anthony — Foster
Injured: Manuel (Achilles tendon), Humphreys (thigh), Beyer (hamstring), Amdouni (ACL), Roberts (groin), Broja (fitness)
Suspended: None
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Manchester United vs. Burnley match details
- Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Kickoff time: 12:00 a.m. AEST
- Location: Old Trafford, Manchester (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Stuart Attwell