Burnley manager Sean Dyche was spotted inspecting the playing surface at Old Trafford before Boxing Day's game, and he's explained why.
The former Watford man had no issue with the standard of the pitch United play their home games on, he was just curious to see if the pitch met the dimensions standard set by the Premier League.
Image: PA
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As noted by The Mirror, every pitch in the top tier must be between 105m in length and 69m in width, to 100m in length and 64m in width - it cannot be above or below.
As much as one might think Turf Moor's pitch is smaller than Old Trafford's, both actually boast an area of 7,140m2 (105m x 68m).
And as he explained after the game, Dyche was merely looking to see if the pitch was indeed the same size.
"Well, because there is a standard size now," he said.
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"So home advantage is not a home advantage any more, every pitch needs 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."
Dyche's high-flying side looked on course to claim a brilliant win over United away from home after racing into a two-goal lead.
Image: PA
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But United improved second half and claimed a point courtesy of a double from Jesse Lingard, their savour at the moment, meaning Burnley had to settle for a point.
Still, Burnley are in seventh place in the league in what has been an excellent campaign so far. Former Claret Kieran Trippier, now at Spurs, hailed the Burnley boss with his sign at the darts last night.
The England international sat next to teammate Danny Rose, penned a message saying that Harry Kane 'learned it all from me', while Trippier's sign was a tribute to 'the Ginger Mourinho'.
What a hero.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester United, Sean Dyche, Premier League, Burnley, Old Trafford
