Burnley were too loud for Jose Mourinho too... Manchester United boss was also infuriated by Sean Dyche's side blaring music last season

  • Burnley drew 0-0 at Old Trafford last season and blasted music in dressing room 
  • Jose Mourinho took exception to noise and made his feelings clear to opposition
  • Manchester United boss sparked tunnel brawl with Manchester City over issue

Manchester City are not the only team to infuriate Jose Mourinho by blasting music from the away dressing room at Old Trafford.

City’s partying after their 2-1 derby win earlier this month sparked the infamous 30-man tunnel brawl when bottles flew and Mourinho was doused with milk.

Now it has emerged Burnley’s players were told to keep their music down by the United boss following last season’s 0-0 draw. 


Jose Mourinho took exception to what he perceived as over-celebrating from Burnley

Jose Mourinho took exception to what he perceived as over-celebrating from Burnley

A United source said: ‘Jose wasn’t happy so made his feelings clear. The message came back that it was nothing personal, just what Burnley do at all away grounds to make their presence felt.’

A pumping bass is not the reason Burnley are in contention for European qualification but it does indicate one of the key pillars that has underpinned their rise.

Sean Dyche’s squad are a fiercely tight unit who revel in a reputation for punching above their weight. That attitude stems from the manager, who takes a major role in recruitment and only signs players of ‘the right character’ so his demands for high work-rate are met.

‘If you don’t put a shift in, you won’t play, and the lads won’t have you,’ said one insider. 

Steven Defour was a case in point. Signed in August 2016 for a then club-record £8million plenty believed his approach would not suit. But the club persisted, rejecting unsuitable offers during the summer window, and this season the Belgian has come on hugely, influenced by Jack Cork, who allies skill with effort. Cork has covered 219.2km this season, the most of any Premier League player.

Dyche works players hard in training with lots of focus of fitness but schedules Monday sessions for afternoons so that there is not a rush to be in for those who live outside Lancashire following a weekend at home.

Belgian midfielder Steven Defour has come on greatly this season

Belgian midfielder Steven Defour has come on greatly this season

‘Sean knows the value of a happy family life and this means the lads can complete the school run that first morning of the week,’ said another source.

A number of players live in Cheshire’s Golden triangle of Wilmlsow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury and regularly carpool into training together. It only strengthens bonds. ‘It’s also probably because they don’t want to spend on the petrol,’ quipped one source.

The unity is tangible, though. When the Under 18s recently held their Christmas do at Gawthorpe Hall to perform party pieces it was remarkable that all first-team players, staff, and academy members showed up to watch.

Those in the audience of Burnley’s matches this season have noticed a more expansive game from the last campaign, with a significant feature being a high press that if successful gives Dyche’s team possession close to the opposition penalty area. Quick, intricate, passing follows to create a chance though minimal possession.

‘This year they have been on the floor a bit more,’ said one informed observer. ‘They have better technical players to take them to the next level.

‘The environment Sean creates is that nobody is ahead of themselves and if you do your basics right the rest takes care of itself. He is consistent with what he expects and those standards stay high for everybody.

‘Ian Woan is a bit more laid-back, not as intense as Sean, but a very-skilled coach. There’s big trust because they’ve known each other a long time. Tony Loughlan complements the team brilliantly, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of football.

‘Everything is built from the basis of a clean sheet, but then that was the foundation too for Brian Clough, who is a hero of Sean’s.’ 

Sean Dyche's men are known for their togetherness and team spirit under his stewardship

Sean Dyche's men are known for their togetherness and team spirit under his stewardship

Burnley have only scored 16 times in the Premier League – around half the total of those also in the European places – but nine clean sheets have maximised each goal.

Those connected to the club point out that they've managed this without having a settled defence. Four of the back five who finished the 1-0 win over Stoke were not in the team for the opening-day victory at Chelsea. The decision to promote James Tarkowski rather than sign another defender when Michael Keane went to Everton has been proved smart.

Nick Pope’s emergence amid injury to Tom Heaton has impressed most, with the 25-year-old making light on his previous Premier League inexperience. Pope has the best save to shots ratio of any top-flight goalkeeper (86.67 per cent) and Gareth Southgate has taken notice.

In the summer Pope was frustrated at a lack of opportunity and, Sportsmail can reveal, Bristol City bid £2m. But Burnley officials rejected the offer, convinced Pope to stay by mapping out his future, and now know his value is much higher.

The club’s recruitment strategy is based on working within means and exhaustive research. Chairman Mike Garlick, the club’s largest shareholder and local businessman, oversees finances and chief executive David Baldwin, who was recruited to Turf Moor for his successful work on tight budgets at Bradford City, deals with negotiations.

Mourinho complained at the level of noise blaring out of the away dressing room last season

Mourinho complained at the level of noise blaring out of the away dressing room last season

They have been known to walk away from deals when circumstances have not felt right, notably Kamil Grosicki on deadline day in summer 2016 despite all parties being in place at Manchester Airport. Sam Clucas was judged too costly this year. That means agents take notice when Garlick and Baldwin outline their stance.

Chris Wood arrived for a club-record £15m and has scored four invaluable goals, but upon signing was told his place would no be guaranteed. Ashley Barnes is used more off the bench as a result but contributes too and appreciates the competition is healthy. ‘There are no big-time Charlies in that group,’ said an observer.

Ahead of January Burnley want a winger, a centre back, and possibly a full back. Money has been spent elsewhere too, notably almost £20m in total on training ground and stadium refurbishments that were sanctioned when the club had been relegated and there was no certainty of Premier League football to come.

This year a significant survival bonus is ready to be shared among the players – last season’s totalled £8.5m – but it is not thought the players have specific European clauses in a sign of how far they are overachieving.

Europa League qualification would doubtless see more interest in Dyche and it surprised many Leicester and Everton did not make concerted efforts. West Bromwich Albion are also understood to have made initial soundings but were informed Dyche preferred to focus on Burnley. Tottenham visit Turf Moor on Saturday and the volume should be turned up to full.