Caught in the act of United drama

Manchester United are haunted by many things these days, not least the ghosts of times past.

As they head to Burnley today, the most obvious warning from history is the painful memory of their trip to Turf Moor this month five years ago, when, then as now, the home side were newly- promoted to the Premier League. And, under then manager Owen Coyle, Burnley proceeded to mark their return to the top-flight after an absence of 33 years by recording a sensational victory over the reigning champions, a Robbie Blake goal enough to overcome a United side for whom Michael Owen was making his first competitive start.

Those inclined to read too much into that result were misguided, however, normal service soon being restored, even if United did end the season having to settle for second place as they surrendered their crown to Chelsea. Meanwhile, despite hitting that early height, Burnley wound up going straight back down, along with Portsmouth and Hull.