MEMORABLE OPENING HOME GAMES: MANCHESTER UNITED 2009

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As we build up to the Clarets’ first game of the 2023/24 season on Friday night against Manchester City, we revisit some classic Turf Moor season opening encounters from over the years

2023-08-07T08:00:00.000Z

MEMORABLE OPENING HOME GAMES: MANCHESTER UNITED 2009

As we build up to the Clarets’ first game of the 2023/24 season on Friday night against Manchester City, we revisit some classic Turf Moor season opening encounters from over the years

2023-08-07T08:00:00.000Z

PLAYED FOR BOTH: NOTTINGHAM FOREST - Image 1

Burnley v Manchester United 19/08/2009

Robbie Blake’s explosive first half volley proved to be the difference in a magnificent 1-0 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester United in front of a packed-out Turf Moor.

The Clarets stood strong and resilient to crown their 33-year wait since top-flight football at home with a first victory against United since 1968.

MEMORABLE OPENING HOME GAMES: MANCHESTER UNITED 2009 - Image 1

United came in heavy favourites and started strong as Michael Owen came narrowly close to putting the visitors ahead after failing to turn home Patrice Evra’s low cross.

Summer signing Steven Fletcher was gifted the first opportunity of the match for the Clarets after twice failing to reach the target from inside the area thanks to some strong United defending.

But the opener came with 19 minutes played, after Evra cleared Stephen Jordan’s cross into the path of Blake on the edge of the area, who struck the ball perfectly with his right-foot on the volley to beat a stranded Ben Foster as Turf Moor erupted.

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Owen was then involved again as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side looked for an equaliser but his header from Wes Brown’s cross fizzed wide of the post.

After persistent pressure, the visitors were then awarded a spot-kick as Evra was brought down by Blake. Michael Carrick stepped up to fire home the equaliser before the break but Brian Jensen was equal to it and palmed away the midfielder’s penalty.

Jensen was forced into action once again on the hour mark after making a fine save to deny Ji-Sung Park before using his feet to keep out Ryan Giggs.

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Despite several efforts to get themselves back into the game, United couldn’t find a way past the Clarets and the Turf Moor faithful saluted their heroes after a memorable opening day win.

Burnley XI: Jensen, Alexander (Gudjonsson 73), Carlisle, Mears, Bikey, Jordan, Elliott, McCann, Fletcher (Thompson 81), Paterson (Eagles 73), Blake

Manchester United XI: Foster, Evra, Brown (Neville 71), O’Shea, Evans, Anderson (Valencia 59), Park, Giggs, Carrick, Owen (Berbatov 63), Rooney