Bardsley in Burnley Move

Claret Lad
By Chris O'Brien
March 19 2006

Manchester United defender Phillip Bardsley has joined fellow Lancastrian outfit Burnley in a short-term loan deal. The 20-year-old should earn valuable first-team experience with the Championship side.

Lancastrian neighbours Burnley have taken bright prospect Phillip Bardsley to Turf Moor in a loan deal that will last until the end of the season.

 

The 20-year-old, who prefers the right-back berth, has been gradually working his way into first-team contention at Old Trafford since making his club debut in 2003.

 

With United’s defensive injury crisis finally easing, Sir Alex Ferguson has sent the Salford-lad to the Football League Championship where he will earn some vital experience and match practice. He joins a Clarets side on a poor vein of form, though Steve Cotterill's side looked destined for lower mid-table mediocrity as the season draws to a close.

 

Bardsley has 17 United appearances under his belt and has played Champions League football, also having enjoyed a brief loan spell with Royal Antwerp in 2004.