Manchester United will host Burnley at Old Trafford in the third round of the Premier League 2025/26 season on August 30 at 5pm East Africa Time. Both teams are chasing momentum, with the Red Devils still searching for their first league win under new manager Ruben Amorim, while Burnley arrive looking to build on a positive start.
United sit 16th in the table with just one point from two matches, already under pressure to avoid slipping further behind their rivals. Their campaign began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, followed by a 1-1 draw against Fulham, while their cup struggles continued in midweek with a 2-2 stalemate against Grimsby. Without a win in their last five matches across all competitions, Old Trafford will be desperate for a turnaround.
Burnley, on the other hand, have started more brightly. Despite a heavy opening-day defeat to Tottenham, they bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland in the league and a 2-1 EFL Cup triumph over Derby County. Scott Parker’s men sit in 11th place with three points and will be motivated to take advantage of United’s shaky form.
Head-to-Head
Recent encounters between these sides have been competitive. The most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in April 2024, while United claimed a narrow 1-0 win at Turf Moor in September 2023. United have had the upper hand in cup meetings as well, including a 2-0 EFL Cup win in December 2022.
Team News
United are still without Lisandro Martinez, while Noussair Mazraoui is close to returning but unlikely to feature. Defensive reinforcements Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw are back and available. Bruno Fernandes should anchor midfield alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, while Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line supported by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Burnley remain without Zeki Amdouni, Manuel Benson, and Jordan Beyer. New recruits Armando Broja, Axel Tuanzebe, and Bashir Humphreys could feature, though Parker may lean on the side that defeated Sunderland, with Josh Cullen and Jaidon Anthony providing the attacking spark.
Probable Lineups
Manchester United: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha
Burnley: Dubravka; Walker, Humphreys, Esteve, Ekdal, Hartman; Mejbri, Ugochukwu, Cullen, Anthony; Foster
This clash is crucial for United’s early-season recovery and offers Burnley the chance to climb higher in the standings.
