Scott McTominay was the star of the show while Cristiano Ronaldo scored and assisted a goal apiece as Manchester United beat Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League.
Coming into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Newcastle, Manchester United made a bright start against Burnley at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo having a great chance to open the scoring early on, but he sent his effort into the stands in a 1v1 situation. However, just eight minutes into the game, Scott McTominay fired them in front with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box.
Manchester United kept the pressure on their visitors and went two goals up just before the half-hour mark when Burnley defender Ben Mee deflected Jadon Sancho’s strike into the back of his own net. Soon after, the Red Devils made it 3-0 as Ronaldo tapped home into an empty goal from a rebound after McTominay’s stunning strike had been tipped onto the bar by the opposition goalkeeper.
Aaron Lennon pulled one back for the Clarets soon after finishing across David de Gea after a sharp run to make it 3-1 heading into half-time. The second half was a much dour affair th0ugh with neither team creating much of note. McTominay, though, came close to scoring with another effort from range but was denied by Wayne Hennessey, who made another brilliant stop to keep Edinson Cavani out as well.
Burnley could not find a way back into the game as Manchester United held on for a much-needed victory to end 2021 on a high. The win lifts Ralf Rangnick’s men to sixth place in the table, four points below Arsenal in the fourth position, with a game in hand as well. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Red Devils’ stars at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea: 6/10
The Spaniard was not called into action a great deal on the night as Burnley did not pose a great threat to the goal. However, he could have gotten into a better position to stop Lennon’s strike from going in.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 5.5/10
Reinstated to the starting XI, the former Crystal Palace defender made an iffy start, getting caught out of position at times. However, he grew solid as the game wore on. But, once again, Wan-Bissaka lacked the quality to make a difference when asked to make progressive runs on the right.
Eric Bailly: 5/10
Called back from his international camp, the Ivorian endured a difficult outing at Old Trafford. Not entirely convincing, even though his robust nature helped the team at times. But Bailly was guilty of losing the ball, leading to Lennon’s goal. He was taken off injured in the second half.
Harry Maguire: 5/10
The Manchester United captain did not look comfortable at all against the physical threat of Chris Wood on the night. At the same time, he stood off Lennon and allowed him space and time to take the shot for the goal.
Luke Shaw: 7/10
Luke Shaw’s first half by numbers vs. Burnley:
100% aerial duels won (2/2)
100% tackles won (2/2)
89% pass accuracy
46 total touches
6 crosses attempted
3 chances createdImpressive return to the side. ? pic.twitter.com/U6N2ihz3Se
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 30, 2021
Recalled into the lineup, Shaw made the most of his opportunity, unlike Wan-Bissaka. He looked in full swing from the off, playing a lovely pass for Ronaldo to run onto early on, before he went on a slaloming run himself, only to see his effort hit the side-netting. The England international was also involved in the buildup to the second goal. Not troubled defensively on the night.
Scott McTominay: 8/10
Got the ball rolling for Manchester United on the night with a stunning strike from just outside the penalty box to make it 1-0, scoring his first goal of the season. McTominay then made the third goal happen as it was his strike that was parried onto the post by Hennessey, allowing Ronaldo to score the rebound.
The Scotsman could have had another goal in the second half, but his scorcher from outside the box was saved by an equally top save from Hennessey. Offered good movement all night, was progressive with his passing and looked intent to make things happen.
Scott McTominay's game by numbers vs. Burnley:
100% shot accuracy
75% pass accuracy
9 ball recoveries (most)
8 duels won (most)
5 fouls won (most)
1 goalA Man of the Match performance. ??????? pic.twitter.com/WmY4bIv3Io
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 30, 2021
Nemanja Matic: 6/10
Getting the nod ahead of Fred, the veteran midfielder’s presence gave McTominay the license to push forward from the centre. Matic kept things neat and tidy without really standing out. Could have done better in stopping Lennon from making the run for the goal.
Mason Greenwood: 6/10
The youngster had some positive movements on either side of half-time and even drew a save from Hennessey. However, there were periods in the game where he was very quiet and ineffective.
Jadon Sancho: 6.5/10
Much like Greenwood, it was a mixed bag of a display from Sancho as well, who started in the absence of Bruno Fernandes. He linked up well with Shaw and made a fine run before unleashing a shot that was turned into the net by Ben Mee for the second goal. It will have given him a confidence boost after a slow start to life at Old Trafford.
Edinson Cavani: 5.5/10
Getting the nod after his goalscoring cameo against Newcastle, the Uruguayan international failed to make the kind of impact expected. At times, Cavani tended to drop a bit too deep, which meant he could not pose a threat at the top. Did draw a brilliant save from Hennessey in the second half, but that was as good as it got.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 7/10
This footage ??
?? @Cristiano#MUFC | #MUNBUR pic.twitter.com/COU5zFZiv9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2021
Ronaldo Should have put Manchester United in front just five minutes in after being played through by Shaw. But he fired his effort over the bar when he had just the goalkeeper to beat. Got the assist for McTominay’s goal before being at the right place at the right time to turn home the rebound to make it 3-0. He created the chance for Cavani, which was saved in the second period.
SUBSTITUTES
Raphael Varane: 6/10
The Frenchman replaced the injured Bailly in the 66th minute. Steady and solid, he helped United see out the game.
Diogo Dalot: N/A
On for Greenwood with a little over ten minutes left.
Fred: N/A
Stoppage-time substitute for Ronaldo.
