A huge Manchester Derby awaits United midweek but before that, they had to visit Turf Moor and face Burnley. Burnley’s home record has been scintillating this season and United had to perform really well to get a positive result and that’s exactly what they did.
Burnley just didn’t show enough desire and United were clearly the better team. Anthony Martial set up a devastating counter, passed it wide and again got it back to finish off to give United the lead and he was crucial for United’ second goal as well which had a scrappy finish as Rooney put it in.
United held on without conceding a single shot on target and for the confidence, it’s a massive victory heading into mid-week with the top four hopes on the line. Here’s how the Red Devils have been rated after the performance tonight:-
1) GK: David De Gea – 6/10
Zero shots on target for Burnley means De Gea was hardly called into action. It is a positive clean-sheet.
2) RB: Ashley Young – 6/10
Did a tidy job. Supplemented attack when needed but also was attentive while defending.
3) CB: Eric Bailly – 8/10
An absolutely fantastic display. Zero shots on target for the opposition speaks volumes about the defence. Rock solid today, made his physicality weigh down on Burnley. Tackles were exquisite and made an important block to deny Gray. Top notch!
4) CB: Daley Blind – 6.5/10
Kept his pressure upon Gray, hardly got outplayed and did a very good job partnering Bailly. His versatility is a boost for United.
5) LB: Matteo Darmian – 6.5/10
A fine performance from the Italian today and he made sure he was not breached.
6) CM: Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
He didn’t have a very good game today after a string of good performances. He was rusty but still did his best to screen the defence.
7) CM: Ander Herrera – 7/10
His contributions have been immense and once again he was very effective. Played a great ball to set up Martial’s opener! Kept the flow ticking and pitched in whenever he was needed.
8) CM: Paul Pogba – 7/10
Made his presence loom large and bossed the midfield with calmness and composure. Barton had a tough game thanks to him. Good performance from the Frenchman.
9) LF: Wayne Rooney – 7/10
A little rusty returning after such a long gap but still, he shows he has that something special in him. Ticked the ball around and contributed going forward even though the end product wasn’t beneficial. Decent.
10) RF: Jesse Lingard – 6/10
Occasional display of pace but failed to be consistent again especially coming after the high of the Chelsea game.
11) CF: Anthony Martial – 8.5/10
He was bright, showed desire. Got away from Barton and countered menacingly and finished very clinically and also did enough to get the ball scrappily away from Burnley which Rooney finished.
Mourinho must be impressed and Martial exactly did what United needed. Man of the match!
