Burnley vs Manchester United Summary

Manchester United narrowly beat an in-form Burnley side at Turf Moor last night. A second half strike from Paul Pogba won the game amid VAR controversies and more. A 1-0 away win may not seem like much on its own. However, the three points earned made a crucial statement as United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League. With just four days before a massive match at Anfield, United know that their good work last night would be undone with a loss to Liverpool.

A point would retain first place but a win would be massive. Either Liverpool end United’s 22 game unbeaten run away from home (a run that started following a defeat at Anfield) or United end Liverpool’s unbeaten home run since 2017. This game is beautifully poised as the winner would make a huge statement in the title race this season.

Burnley vs Manchester United Player Ratings

David de gea 6.5/10

Had no shots on target to deal with. His distribution is improving substantially.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10

He was the weak link but not because of his performance. He is the smallest of the back four and so Barnes targeted him from long balls and he simply couldn’t cope. Offered good width at times down the right and his passing out has improved.

Eric Bailly 8.5/10

Dominant display from Bailly. His recovery pace is becoming crucial to help out Maguire and they are becoming a formidable defensive pair. I hope they both start at Anfield as Liverpool have quick attackers.

Harry Maguire 9/10

This was Maguire in his element. Long balls and aerially dominant strikers are his meat and drink and he was brilliant all game. Should have had a goal but was inexplicably denied. For no reason. At all.

Luke Shaw 8.5/10

Unlucky with the VAR decision as I am not sure how clear and obvious it was that he fouled Gudmunsson as he did get a fair bit of the ball. Nevertheless he was excellent and his crosses caused a lot of problems.

Nemanja Matic 8.5/10

I did say that I expected him to play today and he was excellent too. He shifted defence into attack efficiently and outmuscled the Burnley midfield all game. I am not sure whether he will start at Anfield as McTominay and Fred have been preferred in big games.

Paul Pogba 9.5/10

Gargantuan performance. He has been outstanding since the West Ham match and I hope his form keeps going. Wonderful goal and a dominant display in a tough game. He has to start at Anfield. It will be his first game there since 2017 since he was left on the bench in 2018. I think he can make a real difference and I do still have a glimmer of hope he will stay for longer, especially if United win a trophy this season.

Bruno Fernandes 6.5/10

A quiet night as the Burnley midfield spent a lot of time marking him and failing to mark Pogba. He had some bright moments but it was a quiet day for Bruno.

Marcus Rashford 7/10

Honestly, before the assist he was one of the worst players on the pitch but turned it around in almost an instant. He began to make dangerous runs and cuase problems before digging out a stunning cross to Pogba.

Anthony Martial 6.5/10

He started on the left and had very little impact but the more centrally he played, the more he offered. Some great linkup and a stunning first half effort. Should have sealed the game at the end but pulled out with an injury. Could miss the Liverpool game which is a big shame.

Edinson Cavani 6.5/10

A tough night for El Matador. He did make a lot of dangerous runs and his passing was sublime but could easily have won United a freekick and a red card for Brady but some questionable choices went against him. He has to start at Anfield. His movement will cause the weakened Liverpool defence issues.

Substitutes:

Mason Greenwood 6/10

Offered width and a dangerous outlet but not much else.

Scott McTominay 6/10

Solid and offered more aerially.

Axel Tuanzebe N/A

Man of the Match: Paul Pogba

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8.5/10

Had a big task to do and needed his team to have the mentality and performance to win this tough game. After a cagey first half, the team got playing in the second and sealed the win. Ole will be delighted with how the team played and certainly how they defended from set-pieces. His lineup was perfect, his tactics with the set-pieces and crosses were genius and he outclassed his opponents expertly. Another massive challenge awaits and Ole has to get his team raring to go because a win would make a huge statement.