Manchester United moved up to sixth place in the Premier League table with Scott McTominay, Ben Mee (own goal), and Cristiano Ronaldo appearing on scoresheets. Aaron Lennon evened up for Burnley, who remains in the relegation zone.

Ralf Rangnick made six adjustments to his lineup following Monday’s disappointing stalemate against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, switching from his usual 4-2-2-2 shape to a 4-4-2.

Within eight minutes, Scott McTominay scored from the edge of the box giving the Red Devils the lead.

A revitalized Manchester United played with much more ease and appeared to be getting away with the lead following Ben Mee’s deflection on Jadon Sancho’s shot at the 27th minute, and Cristiano Ronaldo touched in the third at the 35th after McTominay’s drive was pushed onto the bar.

Burnley had created havoc at the other end, and Aaron Lennon’s swift answer at the 38th minute served as a stark reminder of the host’s defensive issues. However, a tranquil second half proved to be pleasant for Ralf Ragnicks side, with the outstanding Wayne Hennessey denying McTominay an additional goal.

Highlights from Manchester United’s victory against Burnley at Old Trafford in the Premier League

Ralf Rangnick made several changes and received improved results from his Man Utd players in a 3-1 victory over Burnley, which lifted his team to sixth place in the Premier League rankings.

Burnley, who had matches against Watford, Aston Villa, and Everton canceled due to COVID, were ecstatic to be back on the pitch early on, with Wood coming close before pinging an effort just comprehensive from an offside position as the Clarets pressured the hosts.

While they were fortunate to escape with a glaring mistake from Cristiano Ronaldo in a one-on-one situation, at the other end, the Portuguese’s weak touch minutes later set up Scott McTominay to open the scoring for the Red Devils. The goal marked Scot’s first goal of the season from 18 yards.

Luke Shaw immediately impacted his comeback to the squad, hitting a side-netting goal following a driving run. The English left-back was also instrumental in United’s second goal, recovering the ball and supplying Jadon Sancho, who cut inside on his right and shot towards the far post, with Ben Mee unwittingly deflecting it past Hennessey.

Cristiano Ronaldo blew his second decent chance of the half by failing to get his shot out quickly, prompting Ben Mee to block it. However, there was no chance he would miss following Scott McTominay’s tipping attempt that rebounded against the bar and landed for him to poke home.

Eric Bailly’s lapse in control enabled Aaron Lennon to rocket in an almost quick reply. Still, after the interval, the hosts maintained their hold on the affair, with Cristiano Ronaldo heading wide and Hennessey saving well enough from Mason Greenwood.

Hennessey was alert again, tipping another McTominay shot over the bar shortly after the hour mark. Even though the offside flag had already been raised, he somehow stopped a Cavani attempt with his face.

Between those stops, Eric Bailly was forced off with an injury that will concern Ivory Coast fans ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Burnley had a couple of late half-chances, but it was an otherwise satisfying night for Manchester United and Rangnick to close the year on. Scott McTominay was the man of the match. 

Team News and Player Ratings

Manchester United made six alterations from the team that drew with the Magpies.

Raphael Varane, Alex Telles, Diogo Dalot, Fred, and Marcus Rashford were all left on the bench, while Bruno Fernandes served a one-match suspension.

Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Jadon Sancho, and Edinson Cavani made their way into the fray.

The Clarets made two alterations, with Wayne Hennessey coming in for Nick Pope in goal and Aaron Lennon replacing Jay Rodriguez in the attack.

The player ratings were as follows:

Manchester United 4-2-2-2 Lineup: McTominay (8), Ronaldo (7), Cavani (7), Sancho (7), Shaw (7), De Gea (6), Greenwood (6), Wan-Bissaka (6), Bailly (6) Matic (6), and Maguire (6),

Substitutes: Varane (6), Fred (N/A), Dalot (N/A)

Burnley 4-4-2 Lineup: Lennon (7), Hennessey (7), Lowton (7), Mee (6), Tarkowski (6), Gudmundsson (6), Taylor (6), Westwood (6), Cork (6), Wood (6), and McNeil (6),

Substitutes: Vydra (6), Stephens (6), Pieters (N/A)

What Comes Next?

Manchester United takes on Wolverhampton on Monday at 5.30 pm, while Burnley will play on Sunday at 2 pm when they travel to Leeds.