United View: United respond well to Bayern defeat

After being on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller in midweek, losing 4-3 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, ten Hag and his side had to respond at the weekend against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.

United made three changes from the defeat in Bavaria, and with Lisandro Martinez missing out through injury it was a chance for 35-year-old Jonny Evans to return to the fold, making his first start in the league for United since 2015. Scott McTominay was preferred to Christian Eriksen, and youngster Hannibal Mejbri was awarded with his first ever Premier League start following his goal against Brighton a week earlier, with Facundo Pellistri dropping to the bench.

Visitors United started the game brightly, with Marcus Rashford slipping in Bruno Fernandes down the left, whose left-footed shot was batted away by James Trafford in the Burnley goal.

This early scare presumably kicked the home side into gear, who created a golden opportunity moments later when Zeki Amdouni’s header forced a fine save down to his right from Andre Onana, which he would have gained some much-needed confidence from after his howler on Wednesday.

Amdouni came close again minutes later, with his side-footed effort cannoning back off the post, he ought to have done better.

United then had the ball in the net just before the half-hour mark, with Jonny Evans scoring his first United goal in over ten years, heading in from a corner, but new signing Rasmus Hojlund was deemed to be interfering with play whilst in an offside position, and the goal was chalked off.  

Then came the moment of magic before half-time from captain Bruno Fernandes, latching onto a wonderful Crossfield ball from Jonny Evans, and firing a first-time volley into the bottom left corner, a goal which had shades of Robin Van Persie’s title winner back in 2013.

There was little to report on in terms of second-half action, with hosts Burnley dominating the ball but not doing a great deal with it, with the only chance of real note coming in added time when Manuel Benson cut inside on his favoured left foot, only to fire his shot straight into the grateful grasp of Andre Onana.  

A gritty and determined away performance from United, perhaps not the prettiest but a crucial win nonetheless, which eased the pressure on ten Hag going into Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace. For which Erik ten Hag made seven changes from the win at Burnley, with Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire all returning from injury. There was also a first start for new recruit Sofyan Amrabat, who was signed on deadline day.

The Red Devils started the game perfectly, taking the lead after just 20 minutes when Diogo Dalot cut the ball back to the onrushing Alejandro Garnacho, who made no mistake with the finish, giving United the lead.

The home side doubled their lead moments later, when Mason Mount’s inch-perfect corner from the right was nodded in by Casemiro, who simply couldn’t miss.

Ten minutes into the second half Casemiro turned provider, sweeping in a wonderful cross towards the back post where Anthony Martial was lurking, and the Frenchman poked the ball beyond substitute goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to ensure United’s place in the next round.

No doubt ten Hag will be delighted with both the result, and the team’s performance, especially in midfield, with Mason Mount looking very sharp in the first half, and new signing Sofyan Amrabat seemingly having no issues settling into his new environment.

The Reds will be hoping to take some momentum from this victory into Saturday’s match, where they face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford for the second time in a matter of days, this time in the Premier League.