The Premier League returns to Old Trafford on Saturday as Manchester United host Burnley in what already feels like a crucial early-season fixture. United come into this game under mounting pressure after a disastrous Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby in midweek, a defeat manager Ruben Amorim described as his team being “completely lost.” It was their first ever loss to a fourth-tier side, and it has only deepened the sense of crisis after a winless start in the league.
In two league games so far United have collected a solitary point, drawing 1-1 with Fulham and losing at home to Arsenal. Their underlying data highlights the struggles: an xPTS total of 1.96, bottom five in the division, and a 40.6% expected goals ratio.
They have averaged seven shots on target per game but with poor chance quality, creating only two big chances while conceding three. Their defensive solidity has also been undermined by uncertainty in goal, with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both criticised.
Last season at Old Trafford they finished only 14th in the home table despite ranking fifth by home xPTS. A record of eight blanks in 19 games showed that finishing, not control, was the major flaw. The club responded this summer by investing heavily in attack.
Benjamin Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig for £74m, Bryan Mbeumo joined from Brentford, and Matheus Cunha was signed from Wolves to add pace and penetration. Offsetting those moves are likely exits for Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund.
Burnley arrive with some momentum after a 2-0 home win over Sunderland, easing the pressure following their opening defeat at Tottenham. Their early-season profile still looks bottom-half: just one big chance created, a 38.2% expected goals share and 1.54 xGA per game.
Their away record in the Championship was extraordinary with 14 wins and only eight goals conceded but it was built on heavy overperformance, with their expected points suggesting a far less dominant level.
For United, this feels like a must-win game before facing Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. For Burnley, it is a chance to show their resilience translates to the top tier.
