United Victorious in Closed Doors Burnley Friendly

The friendly was arranged to give players from both sides returning from injury a chance to regain some match fitness. Sir Alex Ferguson particularly keen to work on the fitness of Wes Brown, who started the game, especially with Rio Ferdinand's 8-month ban looming large.

Roy Carroll, David Bellion, Diego Forlan, Nicky Butt, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kleberson, Quinton Fortune and Eric Djemba-Djemba were other first-team players in action, with the rest of the side made up of reserve and youth team players.

In this type of friendly, the result is of little importance, but United fans will be pleased to know that it was a 3-2 victory for the Red Devils. On-form Diego Forlan netted twice for United, with David Bellion also on the scoresheet as the hosts led 3-1 at the break. Marc Pugh netted for the Clarets in a second-half where many of the bigger name players in action were substituted, but United held out for the victory.

The game was also a beneficial ninety minutes for the visitors, as it gave their boss Stan Ternent time to give trialist Rangers 'keeper Jesper Christiansen a game in the Burnley jersey. Luke Chadwick, on loan to Burnley from United, played in the game. David May and Lee Roche were other Burnley players in action who would have been familiar faces to Ferguson and some of the United team.

Overall, a pleasing game for United with the result an added bonus. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased that Wes Brown, the main purpose of the friendly, played some football against competitive opposition following the long lay-off with injury and their were also games for players who may be lacking some match fitness.

Full Time - Manchester United 3-1 Burnley

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