Man Utd embarrassed by Burnley! Erik ten Hag’s side beaten in secret friendly clash as Casemiro, Luke Shaw & Harry Maguire all return to help ease injury crisis

Manchester United were beaten by Burnley in a behind-closed-doors friendly, although several first-team stars returned to action.

The Red Devils succumbed to a 3-1 defeat by Vincent Kompany’s side in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington on Wednesday afternoon. However, the match was mainly arranged to help facilitate the return to fitness of the likes of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, while Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Amad Diallo all also played. The result was clearly not the primary focus as Ten Hag, who will be happy to have seen some of his key players get some welcome minutes in the tank.

The team selection suggests that Maguire, who was sidelined since December 12 with a groin problem, and Shaw, who was nursing a hamstring issue, are close to making a first-team comeback. Martinez already made his return as a substitute in the draw with Tottenham after a four-month absence, while Casemiro was in the same matchday squad. Amad being available again is also a welcome boost for Ten Hag, as the forward has been absent since featuring as a substitute against Nottingham Forest on December 30. All of the aforementioned players played for between 45 and 60 minutes, while Antony scored United’s only goal from the penalty spot.

• The two sides had earlier met in a friendly back in August, when Burnley won 3-0. However, the Red Devils have been victorious in both of their competitive meetings this campaign, beating the Clarets 1-0 at Turf Moor in the Premier League, while they also knocked Kompany’s team out of the Carabao Cup in the round of 16.

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• Looking ahead, Manchester United is set to face Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday, followed by Premier League clashes against Wolves and West Ham within a week. Whereas, Burnley face a stern test at Etihad against Manchester City on January 31.