Manchester United once again found themselves playing uninspiring football as they drew 2-2 at home to Burnley.
Manchester United trailed by two goals at the break, and it was a miserable follow-up from Saturday’s collapse at Leicester City. So far this holiday stretch United have managed two points from a possible 6 — unacceptable.
Had super-sup Jesse Lingard not scored a brace in the second half United certainly would have lost. The team doesn’t look good, and changes need to be made.
Here’s three takeaways from the match.
Manchester United’s defense fails to impress
Manchester United’s defense has struggled recently with the basics. Clearing the ball isn’t rocket science — but somehow, the Reds have forgotten this basic fundamental of defense.
Burnley scored in the third minute of the match after United failed to clear a crossed in free-kick.
The visitor’s second goal was an incredible free-kick which De Gea could do nothing about. Hats off to Burnely for that stroke of brilliance.
But the backline is an issue. Our best defender is sidelined for another two months, and we won’t make it far in the Champions League with a foundation as volatile as what we are working with.
Jesse Lingard is becoming a star
Yes, Jesse Lingard was the man to rescue United. From loan spell after loan spell, the 24-year old toughed it out and its paying dividends.
The Manchester United academy product has scored six goals in his last seven games. He’s on fire, and he’s undroppable at the moment.
He plays with passion, energy, and always has an eye for the big stage.
Lingard revieves far too much hate from the Old Trafford faithful. He loves the club and has grown up a Red.
Maybe it’s the dancing, the off-field antics, or something else that turns people off from him. But he’s just a local kid living the dream and having fun.
Keep it up, Jesse!
United wasteful in front of goal
Even though Lingard performed marvelously in the second half, he easily could have finished off his hattrick.
His point-blank effort was pushed onto the bar, and had the Englishman put his shot anywhere else it would have been three points United could have celebrated.
Marcus Rashford had a shot cleared off the line, while the team managed 28 total shots and just two goals.
A team with the quality of United has to be clinical. 28 shots and just two goals is a conversion rate of 7% — SEVEN PERCENT.
Next: Manchester United: Jose Mourinho pushing to sign the next Neymar
The title race is over. Manchester City have it in the bag as they continue to win as United continue to draw. It’s a race for second place, the FA Cup, and trying to get as far as possible in the Champions League.