Manchester United 3-1 Burnley: Player ratings and Man of the Match

Manchester United earned a comfortable 3-1 victory over Burnley on Thursday, that moved them to within four points of the Champions League places.

Scott McTominay fired the Red Devils into an early lead against Sean Dyche’s men, before a Ben Mee own-goal doubled United’s advantage on 27 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo made it three soon after when he poked home inside the box following a Wayne Hennessey save that came back off the post, but Aaron Lennon pulled one back for the visitors within a few minutes.

It proved to be the last goal of the game as the second half petered out into a non-event with the result clearly determined heading into the latter stages.

Manchester United ratings

David De Gea- 6

Not called into making a serious save all night, and the Spaniard stood no chance of getting to Lennon’s shot in the first half. It was notable De Gea made more longer passes than in most United games this season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 7

Restored to the starting line-up, Wan-Bissaka put in one of his best showings of the season. Defensively he looked sharp and made several important tackles and blocks to deny the Burnley wide players, but the full-back also pushed up and assisted with attacks.

Harry Maguire- 6

Looked so much more comfortable than in Monday’s game and was impressive in possession. The defender only had one nervous moment when he could have been penalised for a pull on Chris Wood, but overall Maguire was solid.

Eric Bailly- 5 (Off 66)

The centre-back looked good physically and dealt with the presence of Wood. But as always with Bailly, a mistake is never far away, and his heavy touch presented the ball to Lennon for his goal on 38 minutes. The No.3 went off with an injury and is now a doubt for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Luke Shaw- 7

Another who was much improved from recent performances, the full-back linked well down the left flank with Sancho and played a big role in the Red Devils’ second goal.

Scott McTominay- 9

Man of the Match without question after a scintillating display at Old Trafford. That’s the Scottish international at his best; batting in midfield, surging forward with the ball and being quick and decisive in possession. McTominay grabbed the opener, set up Ronaldo’s goal and forced Hennessey into a full-length sprawl in the second half.

Nemanja Matic- 6

Did the simple effectively from the centre of the pitch. Matic provided the platform for McTominay to drive forward and helped United maintain possession well.

Mason Greenwood- 6 (Off 80)

A slightly quieter night for the youngster, who was one of the few outfield players to keep his place from the Newcastle draw. Greenwood’s movement and interchanging proved to be a real handful for Burnley and he tested Hennessey with two shots on target.

Jadon Sancho- 7

Another encouraging performance from the summer signing. Cutting inside from the left, Sancho was a real threat for United and he used the ball smartly in offensive areas, rarely wasting a pass. The winger set up the second goal when his shot deflected off Mee and ended up in the bottom corner.

Edinson Cavani- 6

His tireless workrate gave United the base to build from. The Uruguayan didn’t have many shooting opportunities, his best was actually ruled offside after a smart save from Hennessey, but Cavani still linked well with his team-mates and habitually harried the Burnley backline.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 7 (Off 90+3)

The No.7 looked lively on Thursday and relished playing as a pair up front, while linking with the energetic and lively providers behind him. Ronaldo should have opened the scoring early on, but flashed his shot over. He had several efforts throughout the night, but a goal and assist is never a bad night’s work for anyone.

Raphael Varane- 6 (On 66)

Wasn’t called into action much as the game was largely wrapped up by his introduction, but the World Cup winner was good in possession and faced no major issues from the physical Clarets forwards.

Diogo Dalot (On 81)

Fred (On 90+3)

Burnley ratings

Hennessey 7; Lowton 6, Tarkowski 5, Mee 5, Taylor 5; McNeil 7 (Pieters 84), Cork 5 (Stephens 58;5), Westwood 6, Gudmundsson 6, Lennon 7 (Vydra 74), Wood 6.