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Manchester United logo
Premier League
Feb 11, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Burnley logo

3-1

Smalling (6', 45'), van Persie (82' pen.)
FT(HT: 2-1)
Ings (12')

Player Ratings: Man Utd 3-1 Burnley

Sports Mole rates every performance from Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford.

Manchester United climbed up to third in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over an unfortunate Burnley at Old Trafford this evening.

Despite being on the back foot for long spells, United were ahead at the half-time interval thanks to two goals from substitute Chris Smalling either side of a Danny Ings header.

Burnley continued to pile the pressure on the hosts after the break, but Robin van Persie wrapped up the win from the penalty spot late on.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed from the two sides.


MANCHESTER UNITED

Chris Smalling of Manchester United scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Burnley on February 11, 2015© Getty Images

Goal

David de Gea: The Spaniard was unconvincing when dealing with a couple of crosses early on, but he made a couple of good stops to keep Burnley from finding the net more than once. (6/10)

Defence

Paddy McNair: Wasteful in possession far too often, but a willing fighter when Burnley did pile the pressure on. (5/10)

Jonny Evans: Struggled to find his best form on his return to the side, and the movement of Ings was often too much for him to handle. Looked much more comfortable against Barnes. (5/10)

Phil Jones: Picked up an ankle injury when defending a Burnley corner in the fifth minute and was quickly replaced by Smalling. (3/10)

Marcos Rojo: One of the better performers for United as he used his energy and aggressiveness at both ends of the pitch, but he found it difficult to stop both Kieran Trippier and George Boyd when his attacking teammates failed to get back. (6/10)

Midfield

Wayne Rooney: Neat and tidy in possession, but he still couldn't produce his best from midfield. One of the few United players who were ready for the fight, despite being asked to drop even deeper when Blind was forced off. (6/10)

Daley Blind: The Dutchman was unable to get involved regularly in the early stages, and his night came to an end after being caught by an elbow from his teammate Jones. (4/10)

Adnan Januzaj: A mixed bag from the attacking midfielder. He troubled Burnley with his trickery in the final third of the pitch, but his end product was disappointing far too often. The Belgium international could be under pressure for his place in the side once again. (6/10)

Angel di Maria: Much like Januzaj, the Argentine only showed what he could do in flashes. United's record signing delivered some brilliant crosses and won the penalty with a clever run into the box, but the home fans expect him to be at the centre of every move. (6/10)

Attack

Radamel Falcao: The Colombian struggled to produce his best once again. Everyone knows his quality, but he found it difficult to get involved in United's attacks and his hold-up play was disappointing. It's another performance which will frustrate Van Gaal, who has to decide whether to take a risk on him this summer. (4/10)

Robin van Persie: Another poor night for his partnership with Falcao. The strikers rarely linked up with each other in the final third of the pitch, and Van Persie was often left isolated as Burnley pressed the United midfield. A well-taken penalty was a rare positive moment for the Dutchman. (5/10)

Substitutes

Chris Smalling: Replaced Jones early on, and made an instant impact by scoring with two headers in the first half. Looked comfortable when other defenders struggled. (7/10)

Ander Herrera: Looking to prove his worth to his manager, and he kept the ball well after replacing the injured Blind. Unable to have the impact he would have liked in the final third of the pitch. (6/10)

James Wilson: Rarely involved in a 20-minute cameo, and picked up a booking for a needless piece of time wasting. (5/10)


BURNLEY

Danny Ings (R) of Burnley celebrates his goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United on February 11, 2015© Getty Images

Goal

Tom Heaton: Couldn't be blamed for any of United's goals, and made a number of good saves when the hosts did push forward. (6/10)

Defence

Kieran Trippier: Another impressive display from the full-back. Provided the assist for Ings to head home, and passed every test at both ends of the pitch. (8/10)

Jason Shackell: Led the Burnley defence well, and the skipper played a key role in keeping Van Persie quiet for long spells. (6/10)

Michael Keane: Caught the eye on his return to Old Trafford after signing a permanent deal with Burnley in January. Made a couple of vital clearances to deny Falcao, and was a constant source of frustration for the Colombian. (7/10)

Ben Mee: Followed Trippier's example in providing good support for his attacking teammates, but he was troubled by Di Maria when the game opened up late on. (6/10)

Midfield

David Jones: Produced a disciplined midfield display to limit the space on offer to United's creative players, and kept the ball well in congested areas. (6/10)

Scott Arfield: A lively presence in the middle of the park as he looked to close down the likes of Rooney, Januzaj and Di Maria. Tired in the latter stages before giving away the penalty with a poor challenge on Di Maria. (6/10)

Michael Kightly: Returned to the starting lineup for the first time in a couple of months, and he impressed with his direct running at the United defence. Made a couple of poor decisions in the final third when Burnley looked to get back in the game. (6/10)

George Boyd: Another energetic display from a player who must be a dream for Dyche to manage. Worked hard at both ends of the pitch to allow Trppier to join him in getting forward. (6/10)

Attack

Danny Ings: Added another goal to his collection with a fine header, and probably should have scored a second after the break. Troubled the hosts with his clever movement, while he also showed a willingness to drop deeper to get involved in the game more often. (7/10)

Ashley Barnes: More than happy to do the hard work in an attempt to create chances for his teammate. Missed two decent chances at 1-1. (6/10)

Substitutes

Sam Vokes: Only given a few minutes to make an impact, and he was unable to get involved as Burnley's challenge faded in the closing stages. (5/10)

Lukas Jutkiewicz: Sent on in stoppage time, but barely had a kick after replacing Barnes. (4/10)


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Chris Smalling of Manchester United scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Burnley on February 11, 2015
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