Manchester United vs Burnley LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction tonight
Follow all the news and action from Old Trafford
After something of a glum Christmas, characterised by Covid outbreaks and that dismal showing at St James’ Park, Ralf Rangnick can at least celebrate the new year with three points and a good win. Three goals in the opening 35 minutes sent Manchester United on their way to the biggest and best win of Rangnick’s interim spell so far, as relegation-threatened Burnley were swatted aside at Old Trafford.
An early breakthrough by the excellent Scott McTominay was followed by a Ben Mee own goal and customary Cristiano Ronaldo strike before the interval. Aaron Lennon pulled one back in reply but it proved to be a mere consolation. Victory allowed United to avoid the ignominy of ending a calendar year outside the top six for the first time since 1989. Small steps, granted, but they ones that need to be made.
While United are unbeaten in eight since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, Burnley are on a more unwelcome streak and will enter 2022 still waiting for their second league win of the season. They have games in hand after four recent postponements and this was a spirited showing for their first outing in nearly three weeks but you expect that Sean Dyche would rather have points on the board.Follow all the reaction following Manchester United vs Burnley below:
Man United 3-1 Burnley
49’ - Greenwood with the first effort of the half to test Hennessey. Cavani does well to filter the ball wide but the keeper is equal to the left-footed strike. From the corner Burnley clear, but United are searching for another goal early on in this half.
To be honest, three goals already feels more than the Clarets are capable of but another one would surely end the contest.
Man United 3-1 Burnley
Back underway for the second half at Old Trafford.
Lots to sort out for the away side from a defensive perspective; they’ve averaged fewer than one goal a game in the league season so far so today they are actually already ahead of their usual in that regard. More needed if they want a result though.
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Half time: Manchester United 3-1 Burnley
There’s the whistle and we reach the break. Scott McTominay has been the standout player on the pitch, driving United on, winning back possession and scoring the opener - plus striking the post before Ronaldo tapped in the third.
More to come after the break in this game, it feels.
Man United 3-1 Burnley
45’ - Into stoppage time, of which there will be two minutes after four goals. Sean Dyche prowling the touchline in fairly concerned-looking style. Ralf Rangnick will feel this is comfortably the best half of his tenure, at least in terms of attacking play.
This scoreline is good enough to send them up to sixth; they need quite a few more to go fifth.
Man United 3-1 Burnley
42’ - United almost have a fourth as Ronaldo chases down a weak backpass, but Hennessey slides it clear. The same forward then heads over from a cross a minute later.
The second goal, which was Sancho’s shot, has now been credited as a Ben Mee own goal.
Man United 3-1 Burnley
38’ - GOAL!
The away side straight back on the attack and this time on the scoresheet! Aaron Lennon latches onto a loose ball which Eric Bailly lost, he streaks toward Harry Maguire and finishes brilliantly into the bottom corner!
Man United 3-0 Burnley
35’ - GOAL!
Scott McTominay almost has a second as his curled effort is tipped onto the post - but Cristiano Ronaldo is on hand to tap home the rebound.
Fine save by Hennessey to begin with, but no defender has gone with the No7 and that should surely be game over before we even approach the break.
Man United 2-0 Burnley
32’ - McTominay does really well to burst through midfield and feed Ronaldo in the box, but the Portuguese forward wastes the chance after a loose first touch. His eventual shot is blocked and he’s pretty furious with himself.
Greenwood is next to try his luck but it’s saved - then Wood should pass to Lennon at the other end, shoots instead and it’s blocked.
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