Manchester United saw their first hiccup under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a scare against Burnley left them 2-0 down with nine minutes remaining but United dug deep and clinched two late goals to earn a well-earned point in the game. Ashley Barnes took the lead in the 51st minute with Chris Wood scoring what seemed to be the winner half an hour later.
United did not give up and had opportunity after opportunity to get a goal back, almost winning a penalty which was disallowed with a free-kick given instead. United continue to push Burnley, winning a penalty in the 87th minute, which Paul Pogba slotted home. United had a chance to get something from the game and continued their onslaught. In the second minute of added time, of which five minutes were given, Victor Lindelof scored his first goal for United, getting a well-earned equaliser.
Solskjaer is still undefeated in nine matches, even though it looked nailed on at one point. United never gave up and showed the attitude of old, putting lots of pressure on the opposition, that will be something to build upon. I remember months ago that supporters would rather lose or draw matches as long as the football was entertaining. We had that this evening so there should be no qualms with what was served at Old Trafford.
Match Statistics:
Manchester United 2-2 Burnley pic.twitter.com/XFTyuKp7Tz
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Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Had no chance to stop Ashley Barnes' goal. Had little to do in the game, which he could have changed. This is one of those bad days at the office for United, a draw is better than a defeat.
18 Ashley Young
Got stuck into the game. His crossing was better but nothing was getting through Burnley's defence, playing with ten men behind the ball, like they did against City, but lost 5-0.
2 Victor Lindelof
Should have been able to do more to prevent Chris Wood from doubling Burnley's lead. Made up for that late equaliser, which was his first goal for United. Still the best central defender at this moment in time, needs a solid, confident partner.
4 Phil Jones
Put in a good block to deny Ashley Barnes and did seem nervous at times. Would rather have Eric Bailly in the team. Hopefully he returns on Sunday.
23 Luke Shaw
The England left-back was positive in the first half but failed to get stuck into the second half. United had the lion's share of possession but sometimes more is needed.
31 Nemanja Matic
Seemed to miss Ander Herrera this evening. Rotation is inevitable in football and it shows that United have good first choice players but the rotation options need a lot of work. He may not have done enough to defend his backline or start an attack but playing with Andreas Pereira, he had to fill two positions himself and that is a tough ask of anyone.
8 Juan Mata
Played the full game and seemed to slow the match down considerably. Great footballing brain but in terms of pace, there is very little.
Andreas Pereira
Made the mistake that let Ashley Barnes through to see Burnley take the lead. People say he's talented but the facts outweigh that and suggest United is not the level he can reach. I don't care that he played well in pre-season. He's rarely been first-choice on loan and now we have seen why. It is time to face up that he's not talented enough for the Premier League and it will not be a loss seeing him leave the club this summer. United need to look back from sentiment and build a future with players who fit the bill and headline it.
6 Paul Pogba
Looked off the boil in parts against Burnley. Had some opportunities in the game but nothing was going United's way. Scored the penalty to give United a lifeline.
10 Marcus Rashford
I was not impressed seeing Rashford on the wing again and he looked out of place but when injury strikes, the manager needs to rejig his squad. Had a good one-on-one effort inside the tenth minute which was squandered. Needs to play as the main striker again.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian was denied a goal by Tom Heaton and played in a good pass for Marcus Rashford. Aside of this, he was not showing the same form as he did against Arsenal. The bench will be waiting for him again.
Substitutes
14 Jesse Lingard
Replaced Pereira 63'. Needed to start but also needed a rest. His energy was missed. Won the penalty which put United on the right road.
Alexis Sanchez
Replaced Lukaku 67'. The Chilean was busy for his 30-odd minute cameo against Burnley, coming on at 2-0 down. Some say he did little but he got involved.
Goals: Paul Pogba 87′, Victor Lindelof 90+2′; Ashley Barnes 51′, Chris Wood 81′
Assists: Jack Cork 51′, Ashley Westwood 81′
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Matic; Mata, Pereira (Lingard 63′), Pogba, Rashford; Lukaku (Sanchez 67′)
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Smalling, Dalot; Fred, Herrera
Bookings: Juan Mata 72′; Ashley Barnes 60′, Charlie Taylor 73′, Jack Cork 90+5′
