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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Sean Dyche used Sir Alex Ferguson insult after Man Utd controversy: "We're used to it"

Sean Dyche has already earned some impressive results as he looks to drag Everton away from relegation danger, but a win against Manchester United on Saturday would trump them all - while also offering the manager some closure.

Everton have shown fighting spirit in recent weeks to claim late equalisers against Chelsea and Tottenham. Michael Keane struck at the death against Spurs on Monday, with Dyche's team surviving the dismissal of Abdoulaye Doucoure to peg back the London side.

Previous manager Frank Lampard oversaw a narrow home defeat against United earlier in the season, and Dyche is unlikely to have everything his own way against opponents battling for a top-four finish. He has won at Old Trafford before, though, claiming three points with Burnley in January 2020, and that result came after a controversial near-miss the previous season.

Back in January 2019, just a few weeks into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure as United manager, the Red Devils welcomed Dyche's Clarets to Old Trafford. Solskjaer had won his first six games in charge, but a seventh looked unlikely as Burnley - themselves unbeaten in four - opened up a two goal lead.

Ashley Barnes broke the deadlock early in the second half, with Chris Wood doubling the lead less that 10 minutes from time. It was still 2-0 with five minutes remaining, only for Paul Pogba to pull one back from the penalty spot and Victor Lindelof to deliver a stoppage-time equaliser.

Dyche was understandably frustrated by the result, making his frustrations clear after the game. In doing so, though, he was unable to avoid a dig as the opposition's knack for finding time for a goal as the clock ticked down - something left over from Solskjaer's playing days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

How will Dyche's Everton fare at Old Trafford? Have your say in the comments section

Victor Lindelof broke Burnley hearts back in 2019 (Getty Images)

"I was most upset by the added time," Dyche said after the draw. "Where did five minutes come from? I just don't know.

"We all know about Fergie time and all that, and everyone here is used to it, so I'm more talking about the mentality of those five minutes and the lift it gives them.

“If it's three, then it's different, the fans are thinking it may not be enough time. But five gives them the lift they need."

That wasn't the only bone of contention for Dyche, either. The former Watford boss also had questions about the hosts' penalty, awarded for a pull on Jesse Lingard.

Sean Dyche didn't hide his feelings about Man Utd's late comeback (Nigel Roddis/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

“I just don't like it when people get a touch on shoulder and their legs go from under them,” Dyche added.

“I'm not questioning the player, not remotely saying it's an individual who does that all the time, but just saying players are incredibly strong these days, and yet they get a touch and the legs go.

“But that seems to be the game these days. Nobody seems to mind and they say it is part of the game.”

The result wasn't enough to sap Burnley's momentum, and they took seven points from their next three games to further ease relegation worries. The late point boosted United as well, with Solskjaer's unbeaten league start reaching 12 games before Arsenal brought his team back down to earth in March.

Dyche, meanwhile, responded in the best way possible by finishing the job 12 months later, almost to the day. New Zealand striker Wood was on target again on that occasion, with Jay Rodriguez adding a second, with Burnley ending the 2019-20 season in 10th.

Things would eventually go south for the manager, who was dismissed in 2022 as the Clarets tumbled towards the drop. He is rebuilding his Premier League reputation on Merseyside, though, and another three points at Old Trafford would be a huge statement.

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