Manchester United lost further ground in the Premier League, dropping points at home to Burnley on Boxing Day. It could have been much worse however, as only a stoppage time equalizer from super-sub Jesse Lingard saved the Reds from an embarrassing home defeat.
After making what José Mourinho called “childish” mistakes to drop points against Leicester City, United fans would’ve been hoping for a response from their team; hopefully a return to the solidity and ruthlessness that marked the early weeks of the season. Instead, the Reds got off to a nightmare start, conceding the opening goal before a United player had barely kicked a ball in anger.
Ashley Barnes first opened the scoring for the Clarets after three minutes, before Steven Defour produced a superb free kick to double their lead.
Eight minutes into the second half substitute Jesse Lingard pulled one back for the home side, and the midfielder bagged a vital equaliser in the 91st minute to snatch a 2-2 draw and deny Sean Dyche's team a famous win.
So which players will Mourinho be most disappointed with after being held?
Manchester United 2-2 Burnley: Player ratings
David de Gea 6 – Didn’t receive any help from his defenders for Burnley’s first and couldn’t do much about a stunning free-kick. Had very little to do after that.
Ashley Young 7 – One of the few players who can hold their head up high: gave absolutely everything and provided an assist for Lingard.
Phil Jones 6 – Nowhere to be seen for Burnley’s opener and looked leggy at times, but improved as the game went on.
Marcos Rojo 5 – Gave away a needless foul in the lead-up to Burnley’s first and looked shaky in possession. Hooked off at half time.
Luke Shaw 6 – An encouraging display in some respects. Drove forward with intent and guile, linking up well with teammates, but disappointed when it came to his delivery.
Nemanja Matic 6 – Looked measured on the ball and moved play along speedily for the most part. Failed to break through the lines like the home side needed.
Paul Pogba 5 – Disappointing once again. Lashed a few dangerous shots out wide but, aside from that, didn’t exert his presence on the encounter. Hasn’t looked right since Arsenal.
Juan Mata 6 – One of the better attacking influences, moving the ball around diligently and picking up good positions, only to go missing in front of goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 5 – Looks better suited to the No.10 role than striker. Held up the ball well and displayed attacking intent, but ultimately slowed everything down and couldn’t link up with Lukaku.
Marcus Rashford 5 – Offered more thrust in comparison to Saturday but his execution and decision making, once again, left plenty to be desired.
Romeu Lukaku 5 – You can’t blame the Belgian for a lack of effort, but he went missing in front of goal, sending a routine header miserably wide. First touch was notably bad and once again culpable for his side conceding at a set piece.
Jesse Lingard 7 – Came on at half time and made an immediate difference, springing forward with intent and grabbing a beautifully taken goal before netting a crucial equaliser.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6 – Gave Jose Mourinho’s men another dimension in attack and manipulated the ball well, but that lack of bite in the final third continues to persist.