Our 3️⃣ points as Man Utd collect much-needed win at Turf Moor | OneFootball

Manchester United ended their losing run with a gutsy victory away to Burnley late Saturday evening.

Here is what we made of events at Turf Moor.

Desire can mask United absences

Without a handful of starters due to an ongoing injury crisis at the club, it was clear that Manchester United would need to find an extra gear to end their poor run of form – and they found just that.

It may not have been pretty, but Erik ten Hag’s XI made up of squad players and veterans stepped up when they were called upon. The likes of Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay put in shifts to allow the fit stars to shine.

Evans, of all players, had not started for the club in eight years and almost scored his first United goal in the Premier League since 2012 were it not for a contentious VAR decision.

While the game wasn’t filled with brilliant football, one thing we did learn from Ten Hag’s men is that their weakened squad can still win Premier League games if the effort is there.

Burnley get a rude awakening

Burnley have not found it easy in their return to the big dance.

Four losses from five games and sitting bottom of the table was probably not how most Clarets fans would have envisioned their campaign starting after a record-breaking season in the Championship last year.

But it must be noted that teams like Burnley, who come up from the second tier with the desire to play the same football that won them promotion, often get a rude awakening.

Having already played Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and United, Vincent Kompany’s men will hope that a lighter load in the fixture list can help as they attempt to dig themselves out of this hole.

Redemption for Onana

After a few major errors in United’s most recent games, summer signing André Onana has received major scrutiny as the new Old Trafford number-one.

However, the former Inter man showed up when called upon at Turf Moor, making a few incredible saves to stymie any Burnley momentum.

Many have pondered if moving on from club legend David De Gea in the summer was what United needed to bring the squad into the next era, but should Onana pick up where he left off at Burnley on Saturday night going forward, he should be alright.

The formation of a brick wall in net would be a huge boost to Ten Hag as he waits for a handful of his stars to return to full fitness.