We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Burnley boss Kompany won't revel in Man Utd decline

Burnley boss Kompany won't revel in Man Utd decline

SPORTS 26.04.2024
Burnley boss Kompany won't revel in Man Utd decline
Burnley boss Kompany won't revel in Man Utd decline / Photo: Darren Staples - AFP/File

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany takes no pleasure from the chance to add to Manchester United's problems this weekend despite his long association with Manchester City.

Change text size:

Kompany's side travel to Old Trafford on Saturday hoping to boost their survival hopes by inflicting United's ninth home defeat in all competitions this season.

Losing to second-bottom Burnley would be a significant blow to Erik ten Hag's hopes of staying on as United manager beyond this season.

United are languishing in sixth place and Ten Hag's position is under scrutiny after British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's recent arrival as co-owner.

United needed penalties to see off Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals after blowing a 3-0 lead and twice trailed bottom of the table Sheffield United before ending a four-game winless league run with a 4-2 victory on Wednesday.

During Kompany's 11 years as a lynchpin of City's golden era of success, the Belgian often had to battle against dominant United teams.

That is no longer the case but he is not relishing the Old Trafford club's demise.

"Pleasure? No, come on," he said. "On the other side is a manager that I have a lot of respect for, that I know the quality of, that I've seen and faced in different leagues.

"He was at Ajax when I was in Belgium with Anderlecht, I've seen the quality of his teams and what he's been doing, so on the contrary, there's a form of respect there, but I'm more about our business.

"Of course I'm happy and I can't hide it if City do well but my whole world exists of Burnley and what we can achieve."

Kompany, a four-time Premier League champion with City, has plenty of happy memories of visits to United as a player, not least their famous 6-1 win in 2011.

But he isn't dwelling on past successes with Burnley three points from safety and just four games left to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

"I want to build memories as a manger at Old Trafford. I put playing memories aside for now," Kompany said.

"It's a meaningful game. It's been a meaningful game for many years in my life but it's really about Burnley and Burnley facing United on the day.

"It's for this club where I want to be successful there on Saturday."

St.Ch.Russell--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: