Manchester United defeated Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor in a crucial Premier League match for the Red Devils. United now sits 1 point outside of the top four with 6 Premier League matches remaining.
The Red Devils lined up against Burnley without two of their best performers this season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo. The two will be out for a lengthy amount of time after it was confirmed that there was significant ligament damage for both players.
Anthony Martial was given the start up front for United and he proved his worth. The Frenchman put in a man of the match performance against the Clarets and added a goal to it. Martial will look to impose himself as Ibrahimovic’s replacement for the rest of the season.
United started the game well and looked to be the favorites to win the game from the start. In the 21st minute, Anthony Martial converted from a beautiful pass by Ander Herrera on a counter-attack. Martial started the play after nutmegging a Burnley player and running 60 yards before playing Herrera. The Spaniard returned the ball to Martial and the striker made no mistake.
The Red Devils continued to put on the pressure and capitalized in the 39th minute. Paul Pogba held off two players well and sent Martial through. The striker had his effort blocked but the ball fell to the feet of Wayne Rooney who scrambled the ball over the line. Rooney’s goal was his first since a draw in January against Stoke City.
The second half was in Manchester United’s favor as well. Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba were both denied by Tom Heaton to further the Red Devil’s lead. United did not allow Burnley to have a single shot on goal.
United will now need to continue to press for the top four as Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace 2-1.