Manchester United's winless start to the new Premier League season continued this afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw by Burnley at Turf Moor.
The hosts came within inches of breaking the deadlock after just three minutes when David Jones struck the crossbar with a free kick.
Both sides created chances over the 90 minutes, but neither were able to find a breakthrough as Burnley picked up their first point back in the top flight.
You can read how an intriguing match unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.
Good morning! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's early Premier League kickoff as Burnley host Manchester United at Turf Moor. Both sides are still looking for their first wins of the season, but it is fair to say that the moods around both camps are fairly different right now. Let's start with a look at our hosts today...
It has been something of a mixed start for Burnley to life back in the top flight. The Clarets are still looking for their first points of the season having lost their opening two matches, but it has been a baptism of fire for them so far and manager Sean Dyche will be pleased with how his side have played. They impressed in the early stages against Chelsea before being outclassed, while they pushed Swansea City all the way at the Liberty Stadium last weekend.
However good the performances are, though, getting points on the board is the main objective for Burnley in these early stages of the season. They have been taught a harsh lesson so far with nothing to show from two good displays, and Dyche will be eager for his side to grind out results, even if that comes at a cost to how well they play. The opening match against Chelsea was always going to be a huge ask for Burnley to get anything from, but against Swansea they may feel that a bit more Premier League nous could have earned them a point.
Only QPR are currently below Burnley in the Premier League table, and it is fair to say that most had them down as relegation candidates before the campaign began. To be honest, it was a huge shock for them to even reach the top flight last season, having been tipped for relegation from the Championship more than they were tipped to go up. Sean Dyche did an excellent job with a small squad and a shoestring budget, but it would be an even bigger surprise if the Clarets were able to stay in the division this season.
If they are to stay in the top flight then their home form will be crucial. Only champions Leicester City picked up more points at home in the Championship last season, with Burnley only tasting defeat twice in the league at Turf Moor. The Clarets really struggled on the road in their one previous season in the Premier League, so it is matches in front of their own fans that should provide the bulk of their points once again this time around.
On paper, they have a foolproof recipe for success, with a strong defence and a dangerous attack. Sam Vokes and Danny Ings were a lethal partnership up front last season, while the Clarets also boasted the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 37 times in their 46 matches. Only 14 of those goals came at Turf Moor as well - the best home defensive record in the division. However, the Premier League is a step up in quality from the second tier, and Burnley will find things a lot tougher this season than they did last.
Indeed, the contrast between their defensive record in the Championship and Premier League is clear to see. While they were the best defensively in the second tier last season, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 29 Premier League outing, since a 2-0 win over Hull City in October 2009. They have only kept three clean sheets altogether in their 40 Premier League games and are one of just two teams in Premier League history to have never been involved in a goalless draw, the other being Barnsley.
Incidentally, one of those three clean sheets came against Manchester United, and this is a fixture that will evoke grand memories for most Burnley fans. In their first home match in the Premier League back in 2009, they were given no chance against defending champions Manchester United. However, a Robbie Blake volley and heroics in goal from Brian Jensen ensured that the Clarets came away with one of the biggest Premier League upsets ever, winning 1-0.
Manchester United will be desperate to avoid a repeat of that, but in truth that scoreline seems a lot more likely now than it did back in 2009. The Red Devils have got off to a torrid start to life under Louis van Gaal who, in his own words, has quickly transformed from a saviour into the devil. He would certainly have been expecting more than one point from their opening two matches and, if the Red Devils fail to bounce back and make the most of a fairly kind fixture list in the early stages, then any top-four challenge could be over before it has ever begun.
While the much-maligned David Moyes era began with a 4-1 win over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium, Van Gaal's reign started with a 2-1 defeat to the same opponents at Old Trafford. Such a disappointing opening match was compounded with a draw against Sunderland last weekend, while the club plunged new depths on Tuesday with a 4-0 hammering at the hands of MK Dons - arguably one of the most embarrassing results in the club's rich history.
It remains to be seen how United respond to that humiliation at the hands of a League One club, but they will certainly be boosted by the arrival of Angel di Maria. The Argentine will make his debut for his new side this afternoon having been signed for a British record transfer fee on Tuesday, which could make United a different proposition to the team we have seen at times this season. Even so, the former Real Madrid man is unlikely to solve all of the club's problems, with injuries still wreaking havoc to Van Gaal's squad. Van Gaal himself has said that his side need a miracle to win the title, and you'd think that they will need more than Di Maria to provide it. At the very least, though, the knowledge that United can still attract a world-class player to the club when they're not in the Champions League must be pleasing for the fans.
United have already spent more than £130m this summer, and Van Gaal doesn't seem to be done there. Daley Blind is reportedly on the verge of a move to Old Trafford, which should at least address one of the problem areas for the club. The Dutchman's versatility would be a particular asset considering how many injuries United are having to contend with right now.
Whatever happens in the final few days of the transfer window, United simply must improve on the field. They have made their worst start to the Premier League season since the inaugural campaign in 1992-93, when they lost their first two games but went on to win the title. It isn't all doom and gloom for United fans, though - Louis van Gaal's started to a loss and draw in his opening two games is the same start as Sir Alex Ferguson made.
United's main problem against MK Dons on Tuesday was some shambolic defending, and with the long-serving core of Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra having departed, that is an area of the field that Van Gaal simply has to strengthen. United have only kept two clean sheets in their last 10 Premier League outings, and none in their last five Premier League away games.
However, it was away from home that United experienced most of their joy last season. Old Trafford seemed to hold too much expectancy for the Red Devils under Moyes, and they amassed the main bulk of their points on the road. Indeed, only Liverpool and Arsenal picked up more points on their travels than United last season, with the club claiming 34 from away games compared to 30 at home.
TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides and, as I alluded to earlier, the headline news is that big-money signing Angel di Maria is thrust straight into the United starting lineup for his debut. Aside from the Argentine, it is a similar side to the one that Van Gaal named for his first two league games. As for Burnley, they name an unchanged side from last weekend's defeat to Swansea. Full teams news for both sides coming up...
BURNLEY STARTING XI: Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Mee; Arfield, Jones, Marney, Taylor; Ings, Jutkiewicz
BURNLEY SUBS: Gilks, Ward, Reid, Long, Wallace, Sordell, Barnes
MAN UTD STARTING XI: De Gea; Jones, Evans, Blackett; Valencia, Young, Fletcher, Di Maria, Mata; Rooney, Van Persie
MAN UTD SUBS: Januzaj, Hernandez, Welbeck, James, M. Keane, Anderson, Amos
So, what can we make of those two sides? Well, starting with Burnley, Dyche is clearly happy with what he has seen from his side so far as he makes no changes to the one that was narrowly beaten by Swansea in their last league games. A few of the players were given a rest in midweek as the Clarets fell to a shock defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, but Dyche has been able to pick an almost first-choice side, with Sam Vokes the only injury absentee.
It will be interesting to see how the defence copes with the likes of Di Maria, Mata, Rooney and Van Persie today. As I mentioned earlier, Burnley had the best defensive record in the Championship last season, but they never came up against a quartet anywhere near that quality. Part of the Burnley philosophy is to defend as a team, and the defence will need a helping hand from those in front of them today.
Matt Taylor brings Premier League experience to the Burnley midfield but, apart from that, they haven't got too many players with a lot of minutes under their belt at this level. That didn't seem to phase Arfield in particular against Chelsea, and his goal in that game remains the only one the Clarets have scored this season. They will need others to contribute if they are to have a chance both this afternoon and in the season as a whole.
Ings will be particularly keen to get up and running for the campaign having enjoyed a fine season last term. He will be without Vokes for a while yet due to injury, but Jutkiewicz has started his career at the club fairly well without getting on the scoresheet. The United defence has looked shaky at times this season, and clubs have already made a mockery of the 3-5-2 formation - not just at United's expense - so that Burnley front two will fancy their chances of causing some problems this afternoon.
As for United, there is only one place to start really - Angel di Maria's move to the club will be a huge boost, and it is no surprise to see him come straight into the starting lineup. He has assisted 11 goals in his last 11 league games, and registered 17 overall in La Liga last season - four more than anyone else. Only Lionel Messi has picked up more La Liga assists since the start of 2010-11, while since August 2011 only Messi and Mesut Ozil have provided more assists in Europe's top five leagues.
Exciting stats for United fans, then, and he comes into a front four that, on paper, is as good as any in the division. Mata has scored seven goals in his last nine matches for United when he has started in a central role, while Rooney should be galvanised by become captain of both his club and country this season. Van Persie is also a world-class striker when on form, although the Dutchman is yet to really hit his stride this season. He hasn't had a single shot in his last two league games - the first time that has happened in his Manchester United career.
It is the players behind that front four where the questions lie, however. Fletcher struggled to get the game moving against Sunderland, while Valencia and Young have not looked comfortable in their new wing-backs roles so far. Jones and Evans have both received criticism already this season, while Blackett is still very much a rookie at this level and is unlikely to make the grade when United have a fully-fit squad available. That front four can only really shine when those behind them are doing their job, and that is something that hasn't happened so far this season.
PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at Turf Moor, which means that it is time for my prediction! It is a sign of the times that Burnley will go into this one genuinely thinking they have a chance of coming away with a win. United will improve as the season goes on, but with injury worries still piled up they may find things tough again here. Turf Moor is not an easy place to go to and, on the back of such a resounding defeat to League One opposition in the cup, United will also be low on confidence. I'm going for a 1-1 draw.
As you can see from the video below, my colleagues do not agree with my assessment. They both went for Manchester United victories, with Louis van Gaal finally ending his duck in charge of the club. You can see what the Sports Mole sofa had to say about this match here:
Burnley may be able to draw upon that famous victory over United here in 2009, but unsurprisingly it is United who have the better recent record on the whole. They have won five of their last six matches against the Clarets, keeping a clean sheet in each victory. Their last top-flight victory away to Burnley was way back in April 1976, while Burnley's last league win over United prior to 2009 was even further back, in September 1968.
It hasn't been an easy time in the Premier League at Turf Moor of late. Stretching back to their last campaign in the top flight, Burnley have now faced Manchester City, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United in their last five home Premier League outings.
We are just moments away from kickoff now as another weekend of Premier League action gets underway. United ran out 3-0 winners the last time these two teams met, at Old Trafford in January 2010. A repeat of that result here today would go some way to lifting the doom and gloom surrounding the club at the moment.
KICKOFF: Here we go then! United search for a first win under Louis van Gaal continues as they get us underway at a raucous Turf Moor.
Bright start from Burnley here as they begin the match on the front foot. There have been a couple of nervy moments already for United, and the hosts now have a free kick in a very dangerous position...
OFF THE BAR! Oh my word! Almost a perfect start to this match for Burnley as Jones curls a fine free kick over the wall, only to see it bounce off the crossbar. De Gea didn't move a muscle!
CHANCE! This is fast turning into another shambolic start for United. Evans sells De Gea horribly short with a back-pass, allowing Jutkiewicz through on goal. The angle is slightly against him, but De Gea stand up well to make the stop and spare Evans's blushes.
This has been a very shaly opening six minutes for United, and De Gea is letting his defence know exactly how he feels. He has already been forced into one good save from a defensive error by Evans, while it was also Evans who gave away the free kick that allowed Jones to hit the woodwork.
United haven't got themselves on the ball for any length of time yet, with Burnley controlling the possession and the tempo of the game. Di Maria has touched the ball once, but he wasted his pass to Rooney - much to the delight of the home fans.
United do finally keep the ball for a while, passing it about nicely at the back. However, Burnley are pressing really well, especially high up the pitch, which is making it tough for United to settle at the moment.
Burnley have tried to rough Di Maria up on the couple of occasions that he has got the ball so far, but the Argentine has dealt with it well. He is stronger than he looks and has so far been able to repel the treatment that has come his way.
United are starting to grow into the match a little here, with Rooney and Van Persie starting to get themselves on the ball more often. Burnley had the visitors shaken in the opening exchanges of the match, but United have weathered that storm and are beginning to look more comfortable now.
CHANCE! Huge chance for United to take the lead! Di Maria sends a fine long ball over the top for Van Persie, whose first touch is perfect to set up the shot. The Dutchman fires it towards goal on the half-volley with his left foot, but Heaton stands up and makes a good stop to deny the striker.
Dyche will be slightly worried at how easily his defence was beaten for that chance. Di Maria showed good vision to pick out his new teammate, but it was a relatively straightforward long ball upfield that cut Burnley apart.
More shaky play at the back from United as the ball breaks through, forcing De Gea to come a long way off his line and clear the danger. The Spaniard had to be alert there, otherwise Burnley would have been through on goal again.
CHANCE! Decent sight of goal for United as Di Maria comes down the left flank before cutting a low ball back for Mata. The Spaniard has found space inside the box, but he slips at the vital moment and can't turn it goalwards. You'd have backed him to score there had he kept his footing.
United will be increasing in confidence at the moment. It was a very shaky start for them, but Burnley were not able to take advantage and now it is United who are looking most dangerous.
The defence will continue to be a worry for the Red Devils, however, as there still looks to be a mistake in there. Burnley will be buoyed by that, but at the moment the hosts are on the back foot.
Indeed, United have had 76% possession in the last five minutes, which is representative of how much they are controlling the game right now. Burnley are struggling to get hold of it, and their main focus right now is containing the visitors.
CHANCE! Just as I say that, Burnley create a good chance as a result of more terrible defending. It was Valencia who carelessly gave the ball away, allowing Jutkiewicz to dig out a cross from the left. There was no pressure on the ball when it came in and Arfield is also unmarked in the box as he rises to meet it, but he can't steer his header on target.
SAVE! Jones hit the bar earlier and he has come close again with another fine strike here. He nipped in to steal the ball off Di Maria, firing a powerful first-time half-volley dipping towards goal. It is straight at De Gea, however, who takes no chances to tip it over the crossbar.
Burnley's chances are all coming as a result of defensive errors from United, and there have been no shortage of those so far. Whether it is the system of simply a lack of confidence, the defence does not look comfortable for United here.
Superb defending from Shackell as he steps in to steal the ball off the toes of Van Persie inside the box. It was a nice touch from Rooney to almost set his strike partner up, but Shackell was composed to deny the Dutchman.
United have played so many long balls in the opening half an hour of this match. It is not something we are used to seeing from the 20-time champions of England, but it has been the main attacking tactic from the visitors so far.
CHANCE! Great play from Arfield here as he slips the ball beyond Blackett to race into the box. He has space to shoot, but just mis-hits his effort on his weaker left foot. It takes a deflection on the way through, however, so it will be a corner for the hosts.
Burnley are just starting to grow in confidence now having suffered a bit of a lull in the middle stage of this first half. They really are being encouraged by United's mistakes at the back and have dealt with United's long balls comfortably so far.
YELLOW CARD! The first card of the afternoon is shown to Darren Fletcher, who pulled Ings back in midfield.
This United side is looking like two separate units right now. The front four are looking dangerous and playing some decent football when they get the ball on the floor, but the defence is firing long balls up to them far too often. There is little Rooney and Van Persie can do with such service.
Burnley are certainly worthy of a draw at the moment. They have matched United every step of the way and have actually come closest to scoring with that free kick that struck the bar in the opening stages. Both sides have created chances, but it has been a pretty even match thus far.
A hint of a penalty shout for United as Young skips past Trippier before going down under the challenge of the right-back inside the box. It looked like a shoulder barge from the defender, but there may have been stronger claims had it been anyone else going down in the area. Young's reputation did not help him there - remember he was booked for diving against Sunderland.
The fourth official indicates a minimum of one minute added time as United begin to crank up the pressure.
HALF TIME: Burnley 0-0 Manchester United
So, we go into the break goalless at Turf Moor after an entertaining 45 minutes that has seen both sides spurn decent openings. United are still far from their best and Burnley are worthy of this half-time scoreline, although the Clarets may feel that they should be ahead themselves.
It was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock, doing so after just three minutes when Jones curled a superb free kick over the wall and onto the United crossbar. It wasn't right in the corner of the net, but De Gea was still rooted to the spot and would have got nowhere near it had it been a couple of inches lower. Jones came close again later in the half with a fine half-volley that De Gea was forced to tip over the top.
Burnley had another clear chance just a minute after hitting the crossbar when Evans sold De Gea short with a pass, allowing Jutkiewicz to nip in and get there first. However, De Gea was there to make the stop from a tight angle and spare the blushes of his teammate.
Arfield has also had a couple of sightings of goal as he looks to add to his goal against Chelsea on the opening day, but he was unable to hit the target with either effort. Even so, the hosts will believe that this match is there for the taking, with United prone to errors at the back and not creating too much at the other end.
Di Maria has shown flashes of his quality so far and has probably been United's best player so far, but the visitors aren't making the most of his talent. They have been forced into too many long balls, which is bypassing the likes of Mata and the Argentine. When the new signing has got on the ball he has impressed, though, setting up Van Persie and Mata for good chances.
The Van Persie chance was United's clearest of the opening 45 minutes as he raced on to a lofted ball through from Di Maria. Van Persie's first touch was a good one, but Heaton stood up well to make a fine stop to deny the Dutchman the opening goal. Mata, meanwhile, slipped at the vital moment on his chance to ensure that he couldn't get a shot in.
There was a hint of a penalty shout for United towards the end of the half as Young went down under the challenge of Trippier inside the box. It was a borderline one, and some refs may have given it, but for me Chris Foy made the right decision. It would have been a soft one, and it must be said that Young's reputation did not help him.
KICKOFF: The hosts get us back underway for this second half as they look to pull off a repeat of their 2009 heroics against United here. On the basis of that first-half display, it is certainly not out of the question.
Quiet start to this second half as both sides look to ease themselves back into the game. Burnley are still seeing plenty of the ball, though, and it doesn't look like United have had a scalding at the break from Van Gaal.
Di Maria has been impressive on the whole this afternoon, but there have also been a couple of signs that he is not yet on the same page as some of his teammates. He has sent a few passes astray, thinking that the likes of Rooney and Van Persie would be running into the space.
The pace of United's attack has been criticised at times this season, and it has been slow once again today. Even with the addition of Di Maria, United are taking a more measured approach, which is allowing Burnley to ensure they have a solid shape. They need to speed things up.
There is a lack of urgency around United's play at the moment, which is surprising considering the circumstances from the first few games of the season. There is still plenty of time to go in this match, but you'd have thought that United would want a quick reaction to their midweek defeat, and that hasn't materialised so far.
This won't be the best shot Mee has hit in his career. The ball bobbles across the field and sits up invitingly for a half-volley from 30 yards. It is a very ambitious strike, but the defender can;t turn it down and slices his effort well off target.
Dyche will be delighted with how his side have performed so far in this one, and they are still very much in with a shout of winning it. It may be that he is tempted to protect a draw as the match goes on, however, just to get points on the board.
OFF THE LINE! Nervy moments for Burnley as Di Maria wins the ball on the left before cutting insides. The ball breaks to Rooney, whose lofted ball is only clear as far as Van Persie inside the box, but the Dutch striker's volley is cleared off the line by Marney, who did really well to get back there.
SHOT! Another sight of goal for United as Fletcher lofts the ball into the box for Van Persie, but there is not much the striker can do. He tries a flicked header, but just gets too much on it and sends it over the bar.
United have shown a few more bright signs in the final third in the last few moments, and that should give them a little bit of confidence. Burnley are still holding out, but they will want to make sure that United don't build up any momentum in the final half an hour of this match.
Worrying signs for United as Di Maria goes down off the ball, forcing Burnley to kick the ball out. It looks like it may just be a case of cramp, which would be good news for the visitors as they can't afford another injury.
Indeed, the Argentine trots back into the field and will continue. How long for remains to be seen, however. If he is getting cramp after 65 minutes then he may not be able to last the full 90.
YELLOW CARD! It's Burnley's turn to have an injury worry now as Blackett catches Ings on the ankle with his trailing leg. Ings will be fine, though, and Blackett gets a yellow card for his troubles.
SAVE! From the resulting free kick Blackett's header goes straight to Arfield on the left channel, and he feeds the ball low to Taylor. Taylor looks to whip a first-time effort into the bottom corner, but his shot is straight at the keeper, who collects easily.
MAN UTD SUB: Di Maria's debut has lasted just 70 minutes as he makes way to be replaced by Anderson. It has been a decent debut for the Argentine, but he seems to just be lacking full match fitness right now. Interesting decision to bring on Anderson instead of Januzaj.
Valencia delivers one really good cross into the box that is well dealt with by Burnley's defence with Rooney lurking. The ball eventually comes back out to Valencia, but his trademark drilled delivery cannons out for a corner.
MAN UTD SUB: Van Persie is the next man to make way as he is replaced by Danny Welbeck for what could be his final appearance for the club.
CLOSE! Decent effort from Taylor here as he curls a free kick towards the top corner. He may have been better served crossing the ball, but in the end his shot isn't a bad one, rippling the roof of the net on the way over. De Gea looked to have it covered, though.
YELLOW CARD! Chris Foy shows a yellow card to Marney this time as he becomes the first Burnley player in the book.
CLOSE! Better from United as they build an attack down the right flank, but Taylor clears Valencia's effort over the top at the first post. From the resulting corner, Rooney has a clear chance to break the deadlock, but puts his effort wide of the target.
BURNLEY SUB: The hosts make a change as Danny Ings is replaced by Ashley Barnes up front. Can the sub get a famous winner for his side in the final 10 minutes?
Time is starting to run out for United here, and a point would not be considered good enough for the visitors. Burnley would be delighted with it, but remember that they have never been involved in a goalless Premier League match.
It will be interesting to see what approach Sean Dyche takes to the closing stages of this match. Parking the bus could be a risky tactic as it would invite pressure on themselves, but they won't want to blow a point late on here.
Having played well with nothing to show for it in their first two matches, Dyche will be particularly keen for his side to get something out of this game. They have certainly deserved a point, and at the moment they look like getting one.
United can't really catch a break right now. Mata is the latest to pull up with an injury, and he may have to come off here. He is not moving freely at all, and it looks like his hamstring might have gone. That could be a couple of weeks out for the Spaniard, depending on the severity of the problem.
MAN UTD SUB: Mata is indeed forced off, with Januzaj coming on to replace the midfielder. Another injury blow for Van Gaal.
PENALTY SHOUT! United want a penalty for a handball as Young's strike hits Barnes, but the referee waves the claim away. It is another contentious one, but Chris Foy got that one right.
BURNLEY SUB: Another change for the hosts as Matt Taylor comes off to be replaced by Steven Reid.
There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match. Will we see some late drama?
YELLOW CARD! Reid, by the way, picked up a yellow card shortly after coming on for a foul on Welbeck.
Burnley have their backs to the wall in these closing stages as they look to defend this scoreline. United are pressing for a late winner, but there is no way through at the moment. The hosts are defending manfully, as they have done all game.
FULL TIME: Burnley 0-0 Manchester United
Louis van Gaal's search for a first win as Manchester United manager goes on as Burnley hold the Red Devils to a goalless draw at Turf Moor. It is the first point of the season for the Clarets, while United have now amassed just two from their opening three games. It is fair to say that they may have expected maximum points from those fixtures as well so, coupled with their early League Cup exit, this has been a terrible start to the campaign.
It was Burnley who came closest to scoring after just three minutes when Jones rattled the crossbar with a free kick that left De Gea rooted to the spot. Both sides created chances other than that, but neither were able to find a breakthrough. This is certainly a better result for Burnley than it is for United, who will be wondering where their first win is going to come from now. Again, there were glimpses of promise going forward but, despite the clean sheet, they looked shaky at the back.
Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was an entertaining goalless draw between Burnley and United, who both remain winless this season. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. There is plenty more live action for you in the 3pm kickoffs, all of which will be covered by SM. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!