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27th Dec 2017

Sean Dyche explains reason for his detailed Old Trafford pitch inspection

The Burnley boss took a long look at the playing surface

Darragh Murphy

Sean Dyche bloody loves an away day.

The Burnley boss has guided his side to a victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season while he has claimed draws at Spurs, Liverpool and, most recently, Manchester United.

While the Clarets threw away a two-goal lead against United on Boxing Day, Dyche would likely have taken the point prior to kick-off.

Dyche’s reputation continues to soar, with Burnley sitting pretty in seventh place in the Premier League table, just five points adrift of the top four.

He will continue to be linked with any vacancies which present themselves at big clubs and his meticulous attention to detail is just one aspect of his personality which has seen Dyche transform from old-fashioned centre-half into one of the most respected managers in the country.

On Tuesday afternoon, the 46-year-old was spotted taking a long, hard look at the Old Trafford playing surface before the game, wandering around the edge of the penalty area before striding towards the halfway line.

In his post-match press conference, Dyche was asked what he was examining on the pitch and he explained that he was simply ensuring that United were adhering to Premier League rules.

“Well, because there is a standard size now,” Dyche said, via the Star.

“So home advantage is not a home advantage any more, every pitch need to be the same size.

“So I check it out to reassure myself they all are the same size and (make sure) the players know that.

“You remember the myths on the past ‘this is a massive pitch’ – well it’s not a massive pitch anymore, it’s the same size.

“It has to be by the rules of the Premier League.”