Kompany credits United’s ‘high-quality’ attackers as he looks to ‘embrace the challenge’ at Old Trafford



Vincent Kompany is gearing up his side for an away clash at Old Trafford, kicking off at 3pm this afternoon.

Manchester United take on 19th-placed Burnley today as they look to make it two wins on the bounce following a dismal four-game winless streak.

Despite the Reds’ fluctuating form, they enter the game as favourites, given that Burnley have already sustained 21 losses in their return to the top flight this term. The cagey reverse fixture at Turf Moor ended 1-0 in United’s favour thanks to a superb strike from skipper Bruno Fernandes on the stroke of half-time.

Such a scoreline would most likely be welcomed by Erik ten Hag today, given his side’s run of high-scoring, turbulent matches. But overseeing a dominant performance, and perhaps even keeping a clean sheet, wouldn’t go amiss in improving United’s concerning goal difference of just one.

Of course, the meeting also sees the former Manchester City captain step out at the Stretford End again for just the second time since he hung up his boots and embarked on a managerial career. He’ll presumably be expecting a frosty reception from the faithful supporters in attendance.

Kompany’s pre-match verdict on Reds clash

Previewing the contest ahead of kick-off, Kompany told reporters in his press conference on Friday (as cited by BBC Sport): “It is a meaningful game and has been for many years in my life. It is really about Burnley, and it is for this club, and I want to be successful on Saturday.

“As a manager, you do keep the experience as a player. I have to transfer something into them so they feel they belong to play in that game and win.”

Manchester United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (R) shakes hands with Burnley’s Belgian manager Vincent Kompany (L) on the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor in Burnley.

He continued: “They have some high-quality players in the final third. They have had struggles with injuries, but when you play Man United, you play a top team in the country, and you have to embrace the challenge.”