355 days after what was probably Ole and the teams lowest point they have reached their highest point ironically enough against the same opponent. It was never going to be an easy game Burnley are very awkward to play against. But its the sort of game we have to win if we want to challenge at the top. The first half wasnt very good to watch as Burnley tried to push us back and threw the ball into our area at every opportunity. We stood up to it pretty well and l dont think we gave up any real chances. We did have our moments and played some nice football at times and l would say it was a fairly even game. There were some contentious decisions, the first being when a 50-50 involving Shaw gave us the ball which was fed into Cavani who was brought down on the edge of the box. We got the free kick but it was eventually overturned and was given as a foul by Shaw. I think the decision was right but l dont agree that Shaw should have been sent off, he clearly gets a full foot to the ball and though his follow through looks bad in slow motion surely both players were coming together as happens regularly in football. The second decision was a disallowed goal by Maguire for a push, this one lm not sure about and l just wonder about how much force it takes to knock these big strong defenders to the floor. As the second half started it was clear we were pushing forward more and were moving the ball much quicker. I do also think Burnleys first half efforts had slowed them down and we got more room to play in. We dominated for 25 minutes had numerous attacks had some lovely interplay but couldnt quite get it right. It was becoming a worry that we may not get the goal we deserved. But then Rashford put in a cross from the right and Pogba smashed a volley into the net with the aid of a slight deflection. With 20 minutes left we perhaps needed another to make sure but thankfully though Burnley again started pumping the ball into our box we stood up to the test. There was one scramble in the area and a couple of off target attempts but l dont think they really looked like scoring. Martial had a late chance to finish it but his shot was weak and worryingly he limped off afterwards. So we are top of the league and no matter how long it lasts surely Ole deserves a bit slack from all the internet mafia that keep calling for him to be sacked and criticising his team selection before a ball is kicked. De Gea didnt have a save to make Bailly is a great foil for Maguire and they both did well against Burnleys old style centre forwards. Wan Bissaka and Shaw were steady in defence and got involved going forward particularly in the second half. Matic shielded the back 4 well but he was another injury worry at the end. Fernandes was always involved and trying to create but the great thing is his desire and workrate. Rashford does not like playing on the right but he did provide the assist, Martial and Cavani both had their moments and were a constant threat. But theres no doubt about MOTM it has to be matchwinner Pogba who was top in all the stats and was excellent throughout tonight. I know he divides opinion and doesnt always play well but more displays like tonight, incidentally in a position he doesnt favour, and he will be a big plus for the team. Next match is a huge game between the countrys top team and their nearest challengers when we play at Liverpool on Sunday in PL. Come on United! 🇾🇪
