Manchester United picked up a much needed 3-1 win at home to Burnley tonight as Ralf Rangnick’s side continue their quest for a place in the top four.
Despite Burnley starting as the more confident of the two sides, the first clear cut chance of the game would fall to Man United after seven minutes, but much to everyone’s surprise Cristiano Ronaldo fired over the bar after being put through by Luke Shaw.
Just two minutes later and the Red Devils would go ahead through Scott McTominay, the Scotland international slotting home a curling strike from the edge of the area after he latched onto a heavy touch from Ronaldo.
On 27 minutes United would double their lead when Jadon Sancho cut in from the left and saw his low effort deflect off Burnley skipper Ben Mee and nestle in the far corner.
Ronaldo was beginning to cut a frustrated figure after passing up a couple of chances, although the Portuguese superstar would get the goal he craved on 34 minutes when he tapped home from close range after a fine strike from McTominay had been pushed against the woodwork by Hennessy.
It seemed the match was over with United three up but Aaron Lennon would take advantage of some poor defending from Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire to fire low into the bottom corner and pull one back for the visitors before the half-time break.
Far from driving home their ascendancy in the second-half Rangnick’s side looked sloppy in possession with groans regularly audible from the Old Trafford faithful. While neither outfit could be accused of lacking effort the second period was woefully devoid of attacking quality and the scoreline remained the same after 90 minutes.
Speaking afterwards United’s interim manager Rangnick seemed complimentary of his sides showing, something he hadn’t been after recent games against Norwich and Newcastle.
“As expected it was a very tough physical game against a team who play very physical. We also showed the qualities we have in our team. It was important today to raise the energy level.” Rangnick told Amazon Prime.
“The whole team performance was a lot better, I was pleased with the performances of our wingers. Jadon did well and Mason. Eddie and Cristiano, the work effort was amazing.
“I wouldn’t say fourth is the minimum. It is about taking next development steps. Now eight games in a row without a defeat. It is about taking next steps.
“My focus is on the current players and we have enough players in the squad. Transfers in the winter only make sense if they increase the quality. So far we haven’t spoken about that.”
Up next for United is another home clash, this time against Wolves next Monday evening.
