As the rain tore across Turf Moor, Manchester United’s players knew full well they were in Burnley territory.
A blustery wind coupled with a slippery surface must have left Sean Dyche rubbing his hands pre-match. Yet it was Ralf Rangnick’s men who best acclimatised to the weather during the early stages of last night’s Premier League encounter.
United looked slick and smooth going forward while managing to bat off Burnley’s own attacking attempts. The Red Devils were unfortunate not to be three or four up by the interval as the officials controversially chalked off two goals.
Raphael Varane was denied a first goal for United after Harry Maguire was deemed to have obstructed Jay Rodriquez in the build-up to the Frenchman’s header.
Then Josh Brownhill’s blushes were spared when his own-goal was reversed after the ref decided there had been a foul by Paul Pogba.
Pogba did get on the score sheet with an excellently executed finish after 18 minutes and Rangnick’s forwards continued to pepper Nick Pope throughout the first half, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani coming close.
Burnley battle back against Manchester United
In the warmth of the changing room, the German coach must have radiated positive energy towards his men. However, that happy expression was washed away in a flash.
Rodriquez equalised for Burnley just 120 seconds after the break, ripping a hole in United’s sails.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo’s introduction from the bench failed to raise the team’s dampened spirits as they struggled to carve the Clarets open.
United had to settle for another bout of dropped points, with a 45-minute performance that barely warranted a draw. However, one player did deserve to be in the winning camp more than his teammates.
Sancho sparkles
Jadon Sancho has rarely demanded the spotlight since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Yesterday, however, the 21-year-old was a ray of sunshine amid the grey clouds covering Burnley’s stadium. Everything he pulled off – or at least attempted to – was done in a positive manner.
Where the England international would have previously played it safe, last night he always looked to penetrate Dyche’s defence, either with a direct pass or dribble.
There was a terrific moment in the second half when he turned James Tarkowski and then went back to nutmeg his fellow countryman. It didn’t end in an assist or goal but highlighted Sancho’s confidence may have returned.
Build on that display and United fans will hope to consistently see the star man the club forked out big bucks for at the start of the season.
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