It’s that time of year again, that time that a certain Scotsman called ‘Squeaky Bum Time’. With the race for top four the tightest and most hotly- contested it has ever been in the Premier League, United needed a win against Burnley to leapfrog Arsenal once again, and keep pace with the over-achieving Saints, and with results going United’s way elsewhere, tonight’s win sent the Red Devils in to third place.
Phil Jones came off early in to the match after twisting his ankle whilst defending a corner, an event which helped former red, young Michael Keane, to have a headed chance around 8 yards out, a chance he spurned as his glanced attempt failed to make it inside, or close to the near post. Despite his efforts, Jones was unable to carry on and shortly after, was replaced by Chris Smalling. This substitution turned out well for United, and, with his first touch after coming on, Smalling headed home with a well-placed effort after good work from Falcao to head the cross back across the box, with this arguably being the Colombian’s best piece of work over the whole match. Although this early change was more forced than inspired, van Gaal wouldn’t have cared one bit, as his side took an early lead.
The Reds lead was short lived however, as 6 minutes later Burnley equalised, a fair reward for their play up until then, not fading in spirit, even when going behind. Kieran Trippier, a Manchester City fan, from a largely United supporting family, swung in a superb cross for the in-form Danny Ings, who peeled away from super-sub Smalling, to thump a diving header in to the net. Smalling, who not long before, had made an instant impact, will be disappointed with his poor marking, which led to his good work before being undone.
After that, the visitors made life hard for United, not helped by another forced early change, as Daley Blind was replaced by Ander Herrera due to a head injury, which left him looking dazed as he came off, an expression that could be used to describe the United side, as they struggled to contain Burnley’s enthusiasm, energy and strength. This change meant Rooney had to drop in to Blind’s defensive midfield role, as Manchester United’s captain continues to fall further down the pitch, although his versatility stood him in good stead to play there. Ings had the beating of Smalling several times, and a poor performance by Jonny Evans on the ball gave the Clarets opportunities to counter dangerously. The way the match was going, van Gaal would’ve been happier than Sean Dyche to go in level at the break, however in added time in the first half, Chris Smalling, yes, Chris Smalling, restored United’s advantage.
Di Maria played the corner short to Rooney, who returned it to the Argentine, who lofted a cross in to the England centre-back who, you guessed it, headed home to get his second of the game, a feat which, of course was his first brace ever. He also made history by being the first Premier League player to come on and score two goals.
This set United up well for the second half, and, despite misplacing the ball infrequently, they looked much better after the break. Despite that, Ings had a good chance to draw Burnley level after yet another shambles in the box, De Gea saved brilliantly before an attempted clearance was luckily blocked over.
Late in to the game, with it being very nervy inside Old Trafford, Di Maria broke from inside his own half to get into the Burnley area before being brought down by Scott Arfield to win United’s first penalty of the season. Van Persie stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to send United 3-1 up, and United up the table once again. Not the most convincing of performances, but 3 points and third place secured nonetheless.
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