Burnley 0-1 Manchester United: Three Things We Learned

 

Manchester United continued their fine form in 2018, after beating Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. The only goal was scored by Anthony Martial after a nice assist from Romelu Lukaku, to seal another three points for the Devils.

United were not as brilliant as they were against Stoke City on Monday, but they still managed to win the game. This was teams fifth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, staying unbeaten since the League Cup match against Bristol City. Sixteenth win of the season was not the best performance we have seen from this Man United side, but Sean Dyche’s side showed once again why they are a tough opposition.

Anthony Martial Is Having An Amazing Season

What a season this is for Anthony Martial. The Frenchman scored once again for the Reds, this time winning the match for his side. This was his fourth match in a row he has produced at least a goal or an assist, bringing his tally to three goals and two assists in 2018.

Even though we are still to witness the Man United match this year without Martial’s direct involvement in goals, we must admit his season has been very good overall. Former Monaco man now has 10 goals and six assists in Premier League and Champions League, producing a goal or assist every 88 minutes. That is an astonishing feat for a winger and Jose Mourinho will be very pleased with his performance against Burnley. It was not only about the goal. He also created three chances for his team-mates, being the most important player in United’s attacking display.

Romelu Lukaku Is Doing The All-Round Work

It seems like Romelu Lukaku is getting into fine form himself, as well. Manchester United striker assisted once again, becoming the best assist-creator from all strikers in recent years of Premier League. This was his fifth in Premier League, adding them to his already 11 goals scored.

Lukaku showed once again his good linkup play. Though he did not muster a single shot towards opposition goal, the Belgian offered enough in other departments. He had 82 percent of successful passes, much higher than his average of 68.8 percent.

He was so precise in his delivery, offering his team-mates stability in attacking play, that all of his five long balls were successful. That is good to see from a player often talked down for his poor pass delivery. Manchester United could do with Lukaku scoring more goals, especially in tight matches like this one, but this time it was about other things.

Burnley Keep Looking For A Win

The Clarets are still without a win in more than a month. Their last win was 39 days ago and they will have to wait for at least 11 more days in order to end their poor streak. After Leicester won their match on Saturday, Burnley are now down to eighth place which is not so bad considering.

That is now nine matches in a row without the win, but Burnley were not so awful today as the streak suggests. It was always going to be tough for them to win against United, but their display was reassuring. They had one shot less than Man United and as many shots on target. However, that was not enough on the day.

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