Manchester United boss Ralf Ragnick shifted from a 4-2-2-2 to a much stable 4-4-2 formation as his side gave an impressive performance to defeat Burnley and end the year on a high.
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Manchester United defeated Burnley 3-1 in the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Thursday to end the year on a high. Scott McTominay opened the scoring for the hosts before an own goal from Ben Mee doubled the lead and Cristiano Ronaldo made it 3-0 after the half-hour mark. Although Aaron Lennon pulled one back for Burnley before the break, it proved to be just a consolation goal as the hosts dominated in the second half. But heroics from Burnley goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey kept the scoreline at 3-1
An emphatic first-half display earns all 3 points for Man Utd ✅#MUNBUR pic.twitter.com/MRZiLmdxlQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2021
Manchester United boss Ralf Ragnick made six changes to the side that was held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Tuesday and shifted from a 4-2-2-2 to a more stable 4-4-2 formation. The changes had an effect as the Red Devils played with more clarity. Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani played up front with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood occupying the wings. McTominay who was given more freedom in the midfield made full use of it as he scored one and created Ronaldo’s goal.
Burnley started the match brightly with Chris Wood getting a free header, which went over the bar before firing wide from outside the box, though he was offside. In the 5th minute of the match, Luke Shaw delivered a brilliant overhead ball to release Ronaldo through on goal, but surprisingly the Portuguese striker’s effort went over the crossbar.
However, three minutes later, McTominay put United’s nose in front with a curler from the edge of the box. It was the Scottish midfielder’s first of the season. Shaw was impressive down the left flank and side-netted after a marauding run. The left-back was involved in United’s second goal as he won the ball back before feeding Sancho. The English winger cut inside before firing for the far post, with Mee unintentionally clipping it past Hennessy in the 27th minute.
Eight minutes later, Ronaldo tripled the lead for the home side. McTominay’s long-range effort hit the post before falling kindly to the path of the 37-year-old in front of goal, who tapped in to score his eighth league goal of the campaign.
Against the run of play, Burnley reduced the deficit in the 38th minute. It was a mistake from central defender Eric Bailly, as the Ivorian’s poor control allowed Lennon to drive forward and slot the ball past David de Gea and into the bottom corner.
Ragnick’s side didn’t take their foot off the pedal in the second half and Hennessy was kept busy. Greenwood tested Hennessy from inside the box before McTominay’s long-ranger was tipped over the bar by the Welsh custodian. Hennessy was called into action yet again as he had to make a close range save to deny Cavani, though the Uruguayan was flagged offside.
It was an impressive performance from the Ragnick’s side and they will finish the year with 31 points from 18 games, just 4 points behind fourth placed Arsenal. While Burnley are still in the relegation zone, two points from safety but having played a game fewer than Watford.
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