Returning duo feature as United sustain 3-1 defeat to relegation favourites in behind-closed-doors friendly

Manchester United sustained a 3-1 defeat to Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday. 

The match took place at Carrington as both sides looked to make use of their winter breaks, with Erik ten Hag keen to utilise a number of injury returnees to test their sharpness levels ahead of United’s return to action on Sunday.

As per The Athletic, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire featured for the first time since December 23 and December 12 respectively.

Maguire has been nursing a groin problem for the past five weeks, while his English counterpart has been recovering from a hamstring complaint. Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo were also all granted minutes after having their seasons interrupted, or in the latter’s case delayed, with fitness problems.

Antony scored the Reds’ only goal of the game from the penalty spot against the 19th-placed side.

Next up for Ten Hag’s men

United take on Newport County this weekend in a fourth-round FA Cup tie before travelling to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Premier League clash at the Molineux on February 1.