Manchester United have defeated Burnley 3-1 in a practice match behind closed doors at Old Trafford, with Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Fred on the scoreboard.
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The match against the Clarets was arranged to help build fitness and give some United players a chance to get some playing time before the Premier League season continues this weekend with a trip to the south coast to face Southampton.
Jadon Sancho, who made his United debut from the bench during Saturday’s 5-1 win over Leeds, started the match to build up his sharpness. Tom Heaton also got the name in XI, while Phil Jones and Eric Bailly got crucial minutes from the bench in the second half.
Lingard, rejuvenated by his successful loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season, was back after being forced to miss the Leeds game due to a positive test for COVID-19.
United actually went behind when Burnley took the lead through Aaron Lennon, but the hosts were back on par when Martial turned the ball over after a Harry Maguire header in a corner.
Lingard’s decision to extend United 2-1 was described in the club’s official match report as “clinical”. Fred, who scored a rare goal against Leeds, later made it 3-1 to secure a win.
There was no Raphael Varane yet, with the Frenchman only training with his new teammates for the first time on Monday since he made a first transfer of 34 million pounds from Real Madrid. But the Frenchman may still be in contention for the clash against Southampton on Sunday.
United are top of the Premier League on goal difference after the first round of matches and hope to hold on to that position with another victory over a saint who is 16th.
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