Manchester United legend, Gary Neville critiqued a defender in reaction to the second Burnley goal after United’s 2-2 draw.
Following Darren Fletcher’s first game in charge of the club, United move to seventh place, just two points off of fourth place, Liverpool. The hectic game at Turf Moore ended in a 2-2 draw following an early opener from Burnley.
Ayden Heaven was unlucky to have caught a deflection on a Bashir Humphreys cross causing the ball to fly into his own net. United responded in the second half with a great pass from Bruno Fernandes putting in Benjamin Sesko for his first goal in nine games.
Sesko then doubled his goal tally for the day with an impressive, instinctive finish from a Patrick Dorgu cross. Burnley weren’t done yet and responded six minutes later with an incredible finish from substitute, Jaidon Anthony.
Despite close chances from young star, Shea Lacey, United couldn’t find a way back in front and finished the game feeling that an opportunity for three points had gone amiss. United face Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday and will look to regain their cup form at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville slams Martinez following Anthony equaliser
Ex-United star , Gary Neville, had some harsh words for United defender Lisandro Martinez following his defensive work during the burnley equaliser. Neville, who was commentating on the fixture, has been a big figure in United’s frantic week following Ruben Amorim’s press conference which lead to his sacking.
Neville reacted to the Burnley equaliser by saying “It’s a beautiful strike from Jaidon Anthony. It’s come out of nowhere when Man Utd were well on top.” United had an impressive start to the second half with two goals and plenty of chances, with good defensive work but Burney were still able to respond.
Neville focused on United’s Martinez when describing the goal, saying, “I’m not really sure what Lisandro Martinez is doing, it’s awful defending, but take nothing away from Anthony. He concentrates and he hits it well and it’s past Lammens in a shot.”
Martinez, who was jockeying the attacker, failed to apply adamant pressure to Anthony who opened up his body to put a great finish into the corner of the United net with his left foot. The shot fired past Senne Lammen’s giving the keeper little chance.
United must be able to adapt to formation in time for derby clash
United were seen playing a four at the back formation tonight which wasn’t played under Amorim’s tenure. The lack of training in this formation could partly be to blame for the disappointing defending during the Burnley equaliser.
United are expected to continue with a four at the back formation with Fletcher often using this with the Under-18s and the board looking away from a manager who favours three at the back following frustrations over Amorim’s tactical setup.
United’s next Premier League test will be Manchester City at Old Trafford. The reds will hope to pounce on City’s unimpressive run of form with three draws in a row. Fletcher’s men must be able to adapt to the formation change in training if they wish to take the upper hand in the derby.
Lisandro Martinez’s return from injury has been positively received following some impressive performances as captain. The Argentine must be able to bounce back from tonights mistake if he wishes to start against City.
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