On This Day

January 11th was not a good day for Burnley when playing United. In 1971's FA Cup third round Second Division United hosted the Clarets, then of the First Division, in front of a crowd of 17,010 and beat them 3-0 with goals from Ken Skeen, Graham Atkinson and Nigel Cassidy. Thirteen years later the teams, then both in Division Three, met again at the Manor in a replay (following a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor) and United again won, this time 2-1 thanks to goals from George Lawrence and an own goal. Billy Hamilton scored Burnley's goal. Two years later in 1986 United played Manchester United in a First Division game at the Manor which United lost 3-1, Dave Leworthy scoring the goal. In 1989 United were back in cup action, beating fellow Division Two side Sunderland 2-0 in a Manor replay, both goals by Richard Hill, in a game that was filmed for a Channel Four drama. Last season Pål Lundin's penalty gave United victory over Wycombe in the AWS.

We're still waiting…

Late Update

Thanks to Mick Brown for informing us at 9.20pm via the Official Forum that the signings of all three players should be completed tomorrow morning, in time for the deadline. Fingers crossed.

Earlier

As of 6.30 this evening the three players whom United are hoping to sign – Brentford's Andy Scott and Robert Quinn (see yesterday's news for details) and Barnsley defender Kevin Austin – for a combined total fee of £300,000 are still locked in negotiations with Joe Kinnear and David Kemp. United are still hopeful of signing the trio and they have undergone medicals and the paperwork is being prepared with a view to them signing before tomorrow's 12 o'clock deadline so that they will be eligible to face Walsall. It is unclear what the problems are with their contracts and there are also rumours of other clubs coming in with late bids. The Brentford pair apparently come as a package, both having the same agent, which no doubt makes negotiations a tad trickier.

Austin was born in 1973 and has previously played for Leyton Orient, Lincoln City, where he spent the bulk of his career, and Brentford on loan. He turned down a £400,000 move to Bristol City in 1999. He has only made one substitute appearance this season. He has been praised for his speed and strength, which United could certainly do with in defence. Scott is a left-sided striker with great control and ball skills. He scored a goal in each leg against Spurs in Worthington cup and has already scored 15 goals in total this season. Quinn was born in 1976. and was previously at Crystal Palace. He is a competent defender who started in midfield where he impressed with his will to win and his tough tackling. He was considered an excellent signing for Brentford although a lot of their fans are not that upset to see him leave.