United defeat Burnley 2-0: Key talking points
Manchester United put up a decent performance, last night, to register their second win of this EPL season. Romelu Lukaku scored twice to ensure United return with three points after a week of media buzz surrounding them and their manager Jose Mourinho. This 2-0 win will give United some breathing space as the international break arrives. Here are the key talking points.
Will United be able to perform against better sides?
United performed splendidly against Burnley, but the question remains whether they will be able to perform in such a manner against the top English clubs. Burnley, themselves, are struggling so there is nothing to get overly excited about defeating them. Pogba missed a penalty that should have put United 3 goals ahead, mistakes such as these might prove heavy in the long run.
Mourinho's tactical brilliance shone in the match
After taking digs at his detractors through out the last week, the Portuguese has shown why he still is one of the best managers out there. Mourinho decided to leave out Fred and use Fellaini in his starting XI. Using the Belgian as a box-to-box mid-fielder allowed Pogba to concentrate in the attacking department and this is what reaped the results for United.
Alexis Sanchez needs to perform way better
Even though, Alexis Sanchez provided the first assist, he was rather poor otherwise. However, he has had a poor start to his career at Old Trafford, with Sanchez scoring just thrice in 21 appearances for the club. With Rashford seeing a three-match ban, the Chilean will be getting more playing time and his return to form will be a huge boost for United.
Burnley are in relegation zone, should start winning
Burnley are yet to register a single win this EPL season. They drew one and have lost the rest of their matches this term. Against United, they were not much of a threat and hardly created decent chances, thus providing David de Gea his first clean sheet of the season. Dyche's men were also put out of the Europa League by Olympiakos on Thursday.
Shaw was brilliant, using fullbacks paying off for United
Luke Shaw has been the most consistent Manchester United player this season. His pace, agility and attacking approach helped create a number of chances, and his link-up plays with Valencia worked wonders for United. Both goals were created from the left-backs and if United provide such consistency from their defenders, they can surely pose a threat this season.
