Player ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Burnley

Manchester United cruised past Burnley in a 2-0 win in their return to action at Old Trafford as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Goalkeeper 

Martin Dúbravka — 5.5

A lack of consistent game-time was apparent in United’s second-choice goalkeeper. He didn’t have much to do in the overall game due to the lack of goal-scoring threat from Burnely as a whole, but when he did, he often shaped a nerving presence in the goal, with attempts for claims and distribution being an area of weakness. 

Defenders 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka — 6.5

Reserved initially, but he grew into the game as the minutes ticked on. He became a more valuable attacking outlet when United saw more sustained possession, and his attacking intent was rewarded with an assist for Christian Eriksen. 

The right-back was unmarked in the right channel and was able to smash a cross into the box for Christian Eriksen to tap in. 

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Casemiro — 7.5

A comfortable and commanding performance from a player who usually shows such performances from the base of midfield.

Asked to deputise at centre-back due to the shortage of returning World Cup representatives, and answered any questions posed comfortably. As per, Casemiro’s quality shone through. 

Victor Lindelöf — 6

A simple yet effective performance from the Swede. Victor Lindelöf is an ever-reliable option for Ten Hag, and his performance would’ve given the Dutch manager some reassurance that he can be relied on for the flurry of games in the next few months. 

He has his limitations, especially physically, but the territorial dominance United showed limited the advantages that Burnley could’ve had. 

Tyrell Malacia — 6

Didn’t offer much as an outlet going forward, often being an insurance offer when United went forward. Defensively, he didn’t have much trouble down his side with BUrnely’s tendency to go down the right in transition. 

A young full-back with much maturing to do in the English game. 

Midfielders 

Scott McTominay — 5.5

Didn’t see a lot of the ball with a more off-the-ball role in the pivot, but when he did, he was often wasteful with it — dispossessed in dangerous areas.  

McTominay wasn’t as robust as usual, and like many players on the pitch, he clearly tired as the game edged closer to its end. 

The calming presence of Casemiro was missed in midfield. 

Christian Eriksen — 7

A tempo-setter performance from the Dane. His role in Erik ten Hag’s system is simple, but it’s vital — he dictates the progression of United’s play, and he did so throughout the match. 

As mentioned before, he was the scorer of United’s opening goal, shuttling into the box and being in the right position to finish the move off.  

Bruno Fernandes — 7.5

The Portuguese, as he does, created an abundance of chances that looked to break down Burnley’s low block, and come the 26th minute, his quality shone through — clipped ball out to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was able to volley the cross back into the box. 

Forwards

Alejandro Garnacho — 6

The Argentine had a chance to open the scoring in the opening 10 minutes with a through ball from Bruno Fernandes but didn’t have the right shot selection to finish the chance.

He looked lively throughout, being used as a constant outlet on the left-hand side, and had his opposition man on multiple opportunities.  

Marcus Rashford — 7

Started off the game with little involvement in the general play. In typical Marcus Rashford fashion, he was making penetrative runs stretching the Burnley defence, but not much was coming from his off-the-ball work. 

In the second half, he saw much more of the ball and started to show the threat he displayed in the last month with England. The confidence was flowing, receiving the ball in his half, striding past a flurry of Burnley into the box and striking the ball into the bottom corner. The more of the ball the forward saw, the more threatening he looked throughout the night. 

Anthony Martial — 6

A player clearly focused on gradually building up his minutes and regaining his fitness, Anthony Martial performance was quite conservative. Often playing to a slower tempo than the rest of his attacking compatriots. 

Martial link play was of high quality, retaining possession quite well, but offered little threat in behind or even within the opposition’s 18-yard. 

Substitutions 

Antony — 5.5

Coming back into the fold after a month out in Qatar with Brazil, Antony looked rusty on and off the ball. He often had the burst to get past the tiring Burnley defeat, but as shown in his overhit ball to an unmarked Bruno Fernandes, he lacked the quality needed to close out the game. 

Anthony Elanga — 5

Like Antony, he struggled to make the desired impact that was needed in a game like that. 

Anthony Elanga has the pace to stretch any defence, especially an evidently unathletic defence like Burnley’s, but didn’t utilise it at all. Off the ball, he was a much more valuable presence in helping his full-back. 

Luke Shaw — 6

Tightened things up defensively when he came on and was a progressive outlet when he had the ball. 

Fred — N/A

Brandon Williams — N/A