PL REPORT: MANCHESTER UNITED 3 BURNLEY 1

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Lennon strikes as Clarets suffer defeat at Old Trafford

2021-12-30T22:55:43.499Z

PL REPORT: MANCHESTER UNITED 3 BURNLEY 1

Lennon strikes as Clarets suffer defeat at Old Trafford

2021-12-30T22:55:43.499Z

Lennon strikes as Clarets suffer defeat at Old Trafford

A fine first half strike from Aaron Lennon wasn’t enough for Burnley as they lost 3-1 at Manchester United in the final Premier League match of 2021.

The Clarets did have several sights on goal at Old Trafford, but Lennon’s strike was the only time we hit the back of the net, as we move on to Sunday’s match at Leeds United.

Lennon and Wayne Hennessey were both handed starts at Old Trafford. Also included in the line up for the Clarets was Matt Lowton, making his 150th Premier League appearance for the Club.

Lining up in their all white away strip, Burnley, playing their first game in 18 days, were roared on by more than 2,000 travelling supporters.

The first opportunity of the half fell the way of Burnley, as Lowton put in a back post cross onto the head of Chris Wood, but he couldn’t connect with the ball to test David De Gea.

Burnley were on the front foot, and a quick break away, led by Lennon, resulted in Wood bending a shot just wide of the post.

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Just before the tenth minute, Manchester United missed a glaring opportunity as Cristiano Ronaldo raced through on goal but side footed over the cross bar.

United went ahead as Hennessey was beaten from just outside the penalty area courtesy of a low strike by McTominay.

Burnley did not let the early strike by the Red Devils dampen their spirits and were showing signs they could cause concerns for De Gea, with Lennon miss-hitting a volley just wide.

Ralf Rangnick’s men doubled their lead before the half hour mark as England international Sancho curled the ball into the far corner.

Manchester United added a third in the 35th minute as Ronaldo tapped home a rebound after Hennessey pushed the ball onto the post.

Burnley pulled a goal back just before the half time whistle as Lennon weaved his way past two challenges to put the ball into the far corner.

PL REPORT: MANCHESTER UNITED 3 BURNLEY 1 - Image 2

Into the second half, and the first chance fell to Ronaldo but he headed Mason Greenwood’s cross wide of the post. Soon after, Welsh international goalkeeper Hennessey palmed a shot away from close range, a top save.

Burnley’s first opportunity of the second period came ten minutes into the second period, Wood heading straight at De Gea.

In the 58th minute, Jack Cork was withdrawn, Dale Stephens coming on in his place, making his return to the side after a spell on the sidelines.

Burnley had a glorious chance to grab a second as a loose ball from a corner was nearly tapped home by a white shirt. However, United cleared their lines and hit the Clarets on the counter, with Hennessey once again pulling out a fine stop from a 25-yard strike.

With just over 15 to go, Matej Vydra came in for the visitors, replacing Burnley goal scorer, Lennon. Ten minutes later, Erik Pieters came on for McNeil.

Burnley continued to work hard throughout the game but unfortunately United held on for three points and we move onto Sunday’s clash at Leeds United.

Burnley: Hennessey, Taylor, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton, Westwood, Cork (Stephens 58), Gudmundsson, McNeil (Pieters 85), Lennon (Vydra 73), Wood. Unused subs: Norris, Bardsley, Collins, Thomas.