The fresh air of England definitely suits him so well. Almost six months after taking over the Burnley team, Vincent Kompany (36) continues on his good momentum. Leaders of the Championship before the truce caused by the Qatari World Cup, his Clarets have just confirmed their status with two convincing victories against QPR and Middlesbrough. This Wednesday, the former Anderlechtois faces a much greater challenge. Namely a return to Old Trafford, temple of United, which is none other than the great rival of “his” Manchester City. The English League Cup scene is certainly not the most exhilarating, but there is no doubt that the person concerned will be keen to show what he is capable of offering. An important test in his personal development as a manager, but not only. It is also an opportunity to gain more respect, in this new role, vis-à-vis the behemoths of the Premier League.
Taulier of the Skyblues defense for eleven seasons, Kompany necessarily has a very special relationship with the Red Devils. It is indeed the team he has faced most often in his career (24 times), while Old Trafford remains the opposing enclosure in which he has most regularly moved (11 times). “I have often been on the pitch as a player, but I have never been there with Burnley”, recalls “Vince The Prince”. “Indeed, it’s exciting for me to come back to this stadium. I’m no longer at Manchester City, but it’s still a North West derby. For us, it will be a test. And we are looking forward to it. »
An ideal test to situate yourself
Burnley has no real ambition in this EFL Cup. However, taking on one of the Kingdom’s most historic franchises takes on a certain euphoria. This meeting will allow Vincent Kompany’s players to position themselves in relation to the English elite, or even to correct various things with a view to the rest of the season. “It’s a chance to measure ourselves against some of the best players in the Premier League to see how close or far we are to their level”, remarks, rightly, the Belgian T1. “However, this match should not be considered a ‘label’. Of course, it’s an important game, but we’ll approach it like all the others. We want to be efficient. »
For the occasion, the Clarets will be able to count on the support of 7,000 supporters in the stands of Old Trafford. Capital. And this, even if Vincent Kompany, from his past of Cityzen, expects to receive an icy reception. “I’d be slightly offended if I wasn’t a little whistled. But, in the end, the main thing will be the performance of the team, not me…”, he asks. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will not yet be fully operational since many Globalists are on vacation and this is the first official game since the break. What to start dreaming of a nice surprise?
