United swapped a cold night in Bavaria for a cold night in Burnley and looked significantly more resilient at Turf Moor than they did during the 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich last Wednesday. It was the Clarets who forged the first real chance of the game, with Zeki Amdouni’s header forcing Andre Onana into a smart save.
Shortly after, Burnley struck the United upright after some neat work from Aaron Ramsey put Amdouni clean through. The hosts were slowly but surely getting a stronger foothold on the tie.
And yet, it was United who delivered the first blow. Jonny Evans found Bruno Fernandes with the kind of pass more befitting of the recipient and the Portugal international fired beyond James Trafford with a Robin van Persie-esque volley.
Down the years, many have associated an away game against Burnley as one that would be a physical battle, one where you may come away battered and bruised. This Clarets side have more than enough skill and flare to beat sides with their football.
Were they to put in a performance like this one against one of their relegation rivals, a team lesser than Ten Hag’s United, they would surely have more to show for their efforts than they have after this clash.
Two minutes from time, United introduced deadline day signing Sofyan Amrabat. However, it was far too late in the day for the Morocco international to weave his influence.
On nights like this, away from home at a cold Turf Moor, visiting sides need their big players to stand up and be counted. Fernandes did exactly that with his wonderful first-half goal.
It was a game that was starved of quality inside both penalty boxes. However, Fernandes’ made a captain’s contribution that proved the difference and helped halt the rut at United. Until next weekend, the pressure exerted on everyone at Old Trafford can be eased.
He didn’t do much else in truth, but that won’t be a concern to Ten Hag or anyone of a United persuasion. Fernandes has proven plenty of times he can dictate games, but for now, winning one is more than enough.
However, despite the win, Erik ten Hag was in selection woes. While he is hardly blameless for United’s poor start to the season, missing all four of your first-choice back-four is not exactly ideal. With Martinez, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bisska all nursing knocks, the Red Devils boss had to think of a makeshift defence.
The one he chose sparked widespread ridicule from fans of both United and opposition clubs ahead of kick-off. One fan made it clear that they were less than impressed with the team by posting on social media: “Worst lineup i’ve seen in my lifetime”. Another described the selection as an: “Embarrassing and disgraceful lineup”.
As a collective, United’s defensive efforts have been less than impressive in recent weeks. Ten Hag’s side came into this clash having conceded three or more in their last three games. They could have shipped two early on here.
Going forward, United seemed out of ideas early on, lacking the kind of creativity required. Their only major breakthrough came through Evans, which will impressive, is hardly sustainable. With that being said, it will come as a great comfort to Ten Hag that he can brainstorm next week’s plan with a rare away win under his belt.
