By Daily Sports on December 31, 2021

Manchester United scored three first-half goals for the first time in the Premier League since January as they swept Burnley aside at Old Trafford to move back into the top six.

Jadon Sancho's deflected effort doubled the hosts' advantage before Cristiano Ronaldo - who had wasted a glorious chance after being sent clean through when the game was still goalless - tapped into an empty net after McTominay's shot had been touched on to a post by Burnley keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Aaron Lennon took advantage of a poor first touch from Eric Bailly to pull one back for the visitors with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.

However, in their first game since 12 December, Burnley lacked the stamina or the guile to trouble United further and remain in the bottom three.

The victory extends United's unbeaten run since the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to eight matches, although as they are only two points closer to the top of the league than the bottom, they still have some way to go if they are to start to create a meaningful legacy to the feats of Sir Alex Ferguson, who celebrates his 80th birthday on New Year's Eve.

Although Rangnick made six changes to his starting line-up, the combination of injuries and positive coronavirus tests that deprived Burnley boss Sean Dyche of seven first-teamers was more of a blow.

The absence of England keeper Nick Pope was Covid related and meant only a second Premier League appearance since lockdown for former Crystal Palace keeper Hennessey.

The Wales international produced a couple of eye-catching saves, one of which prevented McTominay finishing off a length-of-the-field move in the second half.

Given the opposition and the time his side have been without a game, Dyche may not be too dispirited by the outcome. Sunday's trip to fellow strugglers Leeds is far more significant in the wider scheme of things.

Manchester United's next game is against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, 3 January (17:30 GMT). Burnley are next in action against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, 2 January (14:00).

•Sourced from BBC. PHOTO Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his eighth Premier League goal of the season

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 31, 2021

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