PLAYED FOR BOTH: PHIL BARDSLEY

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Ahead of Saturday's match with Manchester United we caught up with the former Clarets and United defender

2023-09-22T14:05:00.000Z

PLAYED FOR BOTH: PHIL BARDSLEY

Ahead of Saturday's match with Manchester United we caught up with the former Clarets and United defender

2023-09-22T14:05:00.000Z

Ahead of Saturday's match with Manchester United we caught up with the former Clarets and United defender

Phil Bardsley is confident that the Clarets will take to life in the Premier League just fine and has been impressed with the attacking threat Vincent Kompany's side have shown in the opening four games.

The right-back played 77 times for Burnley over two spells, after initially joining on loan in 2006 from United, the defender then rejoined in the summer of 2017 before leaving last year.

Ahead of this weekend, the ex-Red Devils and Clarets full-back spoke about both his former side's start to the Premier League season and a certain Luca Koleosho who has caught the eye of the 38-year-old.

Speaking ahead of the clash, with the full in-depth interview available in the 'TURF' matchday programme Bardsley said: “They’ve both had tough starts. Burnley coming up after an outstanding season last year where they wiped the floor with everyone and they were fantastic.

“It is a sterner test in the Premier League up against elite opposition and you have to be at your very best every week.

PLAYED FOR BOTH: PHIL BARDSLEY - Image 1

“I watched the game on Monday night against Forest and they were really good, I thought they played much better than the previous games.

“They have a strong attacking threat going forward. I thought the young lad Koleosho was outstanding against Forest and United will need to be wary of him.

“They look a good team and have the ability; I think once they get used to the new surroundings of the Premier League and settle in, they will be fine this year."

Born in Salford growing up as a United fan, Bardsley rose through the academy ranks at Old Trafford after joining aged nine and spent 13 years at the club.

Bardsley believes it will be a tricky test for the visitors on Saturday night and believes the United boss will be eager to get a win in east Lancashire.

“They have had a difficult start; they’re lacking a bit of consistency at the minute. They’ve had good halves of performances then not so good halves.

PLAYED FOR BOTH: PHIL BARDSLEY - Image 2

“I think the manager (Erik Ten Hag) is still trying to find his best XI and find consistency in the performances to get back to winning ways. They will be keen to get three points on Saturday, especially after losing through the week too.

“It’s difficult game for both sides on Saturday. Regardless of which team you play for, going to Turf Moor is not easy for any side.

“Under the lights, on a Saturday night in front of a full house, as a neutral I’m really looking forward to it and hope both sides battle out and the best team come out on top."

PLAYED FOR BOTH: PHIL BARDSLEY - Image 3

The defender, who will be back at Turf Moor on Saturday as a guest for MUTV, said: “It’s been a few years since I’ve been back there. It’ll be nice to come back and see a few old faces from before and catch up.

“Hopefully it’ll be a nice night and I get a nice Burnley pie to tuck into!"

The full interview with Phil can be found in this Saturday's programme which you can purchase online or in and around Turf Moor.

In there you can find what the former full-back said about his time at both Burnley and Manchester United and his predictions ahead of the game.