Seven things we learned from Manchester United’s friendly win over Burnley

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Manchester United played Burnley on Tuesday in a behind closed doors friendly match at Old Trafford.

It was a smart move to give players extra minutes after a short pre-season for many key stars after the international tournaments.

There was still no Edinson Cavani, and Raphael Varane did not feature, but United’s players who did feature will be better off for it. United won the game 3-1, further boosting confidence heading into Sunday’s game at Southampton.

The game also saw released Manchester United youngster Mark Helm start for Burnley, after joining the Clarets in July.

Here is a look at seven things we learned from the friendly fixture…

Sancho’s first start

The big news was expensive summer signing Jadon Sancho starting the game after making his Manchester United debut against Leeds.

Sancho played around an hour, helping with his fitness, after missing all four of the previous pre-season matches.

This was a crucial game for Sancho to feature in and he will have hoped to progress his cause to play against Southampton this coming weekend.

Anthony Martial nicked a poacher’s first goal

Anthony Martial also started and he was the star of the show, scoring one goal and providing an assist.

The way the Frenchman scored was just the way Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have liked it. He reacted to a Harry Maguire header by sticking a boot out and diverting it into the net.

It was a real poacher’s goal, followed by a run and pass from the right side to set up Jesse Lingard for his goal. A lively Martial makes United a better side.

Fred can’t stop scoring

After opening his account for the season on the opening day against Leeds, midfielder Fred scored again.

While this one won’t count officially, it is pretty impressive for Fred to be able to say he has scored two games in a row.

This will build his confidence and if Fred can transform into a player who nets six or seven goals this season then that will represent a huge step forward in terms of his development and usefulness to the team.

Eric Bailly returns but no Amad

One of Manchester United’s Olympic stars was back in action, with Eric Bailly starting alongside Harry Maguire. Fitness-wise, he appears to be ahead of Raphael Varane, and little has changed for the defender, with Bailly picking up a first half booking.

Amad did not feature, despite being pictured back at training on Monday.

It is possible the winger’s absence ties together with reports via the MEN he could be sent out on loan shortly.

Jesse Lingard can play a part

It is unclear whether Jesse Lingard will be a Manchester United player on September 1, with The Times continuing to link West Ham with a move.

If Lingard does stay, then he has a part to play for United this season. This was Lingard’s second friendly goal of the summer, following a previous strike against QPR.

United want a goalscoring midfielder to alternate with Fernandes and he is demonstrating he can do the job, having netted nine times on loan last season.

Phil Jones’ return, Elanga still injured

One of the headlines from the match was Phil Jones making his first appearance since January 2020.

Jones came off the bench for the final 30 minutes and United did not concede while he was on the pitch.

The injury news on Anthony Elanga continues to disappoint, after an impressive first three games of pre-season.

Elanga missed United’s camp in Scotland due to injury, then the friendly over Everton and the league win over Leeds, and he was not fit enough to make the bench against Burnley either.

Hopefully he will be back soon. On a positive note, youngsters Hannibal and James Garner both came on as second half substitutes.

Andreas closer to the exit?

One player notable by his absence was Andreas Pereira, who did make the bench at the weekend.

Andreas is currently a target for Brazilian club Flamengo, with The Times reporting Flamego want to take him on a 18 month loan.

The midfielder missing United’s 22 man squad to face Burnley was a sign he is closer to the exit door.

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