Manchester United were held by struggling Burnley but can feel hard done by for the second game running.
The Reds had two goals disallowed with the second in particular highly contentious as replays showed there was nothing much in it when Paul Pogba climbed to knock the ball down.
United can also feel aggrieved Wout Weghorst was not sent off for a crude challenge on Scott McTominay, one of a number of ‘agricultural’ fouls committed by the Clarets. With Mike Dean as ref, we shouldn’t be surprised though. Of course Burnley turned up with prime Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi at the back and with Xavi and Andres Iniesta playing one-touch football through midfield.
Here is how each United player rated:
David de Gea – 7
Had little to do bar one good stop in the second half from the towering Weghorst when he got down well to tip well. Nothing he could do on the Jay Rodriguez goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Started well but his crossing was erratic when United went forward although he was solid defensively. A dip in level from his recent showings.
Harry Maguire – 6
This might be controversial but Maguire did quite well. Solid under the high ball, played out and I’m not having him at fault for the goal. What was he supposed to do? – it’s clever play, a good finish, Maguire can’t foul and it’s harsh to pin that on him. People just blame him for everything.
Raphael Varane – 8
Another exemplary showing from the classy Frenchman. Dealt with everything that came his way in an aerial bombardment against Burnley’s giant centre forward (is there ever any other kind). Saw a first United goal ruled out when Maguire inadvertently strayed offside. His passing was a little awry but what a player this guy is.
Luke Shaw – 8
With Telles absent due to Covid, Shaw looked back to his best in a superb showing. Did brilliantly to set up the goal and looked a constant threat down the left all night. Is he now first choice again?
Scott McTominay – 8
Perfect for games like this one when its never pretty but you need to be tenacious and terrier like. McTominay had another superb showing in the middle of the park. Full of energy and industry, he stood strong in the face of Burnley’s rough house tactics and came off with a knock late on. Weghorst was lucky not to see red for a late lunge on him.
Paul Pogba – 7
He loves a banger at Turf Moor! Got the winner here last year and stepped up again with another strike from distance. Pulled the strings, kept the ball moving and looked good all game.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Forced one good save from Nick Pope in the second half but otherwise was forced to the fringes and it was no surprise to see him taken off. Quiet.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
United played well in this game and Fernandes was key to that. Everything we did came through him, he nearly scored from a set piece and even helped out defensively in the second half.
Jadon Sancho – 9
Sancho’s best game in a United shirt by a distance and the best player out there by a mile. Gave Burnley right-back Roberts a torrid time with his pace and trickery. If we had someone who could finish, this guy’s numbers would be off the charts. A constant menace down the left, Burnley couldn’t live with him. Magnificent.
Edinson Cavani – 4
You’d be forgiven for thinking Cavani wasn’t even playing. He was almost anonymous bar one first half header which forced a save from Pope, but he was offside anyway. Superbly marshalled by Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski and Ben Mee. Got hooked for Ronaldo after a poor night.
Substitutes
Cristiano Ronaldo – for Cavani 68 – 5
Brought on with the game in the balance in the teeming rain and a Lancashire gale. Had two (albeit difficult) headers you might have expected him to do better with. Was unable to inspire his side to victory
Jesse Lingard – for McTominay 80 – 5
Did little.
Anthony Elanga – for Rashford 85 – N/A
Came on too late to have an impact.
