Man United rebound in style
Romelu Lukaku’s first-half double gave an improved Manchester United a 2-0 win over Burnley in the England Premier League yesterday.
Only a second-half penalty miss from Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford’s sending off shortly after, prevented United from producing the margin of victory their dominance merited.
But considering the media spotlight on United and manager Jose Mourinho’s future after the previous round of fixtures, Rashford’s red card being the biggest drama represents a form of respite for the club.
United now have six points from their first four games, while Burnley are still looking for their first league win of the season.
United had entered the match under intense scrutiny after successive losses to Brighton and Tottenham contributed to the club’s worst Premier League start in 26 seasons.
After a promising opening, Lukaku settled any remaining nerves by heading in Alexis Sanchez’s cross in the 27th minute, and notched his second when Jesse Lingard’s shot was blocked and fell kindly for Lukaku to turn home from close range.
Pogba should have put United out of sight in the 70th but had his spot kick saved by Joe Hart after Rashford, who looked lively after being introduced from the bench, was fouled.
Moment later, Rashford reacted angrily to a kick from Phil Bardsley by pushing his forehead into the face of the Burnley defender.
Referee Jonathan Moss deemed the incident violent conduct and showed Rashford a straight red card, just 11 minutes after the striker had entered the match.
Meanwhile, Watford kept their perfect EPL record intact at Tottenham’s expense with a 2-1 win.
Spurs made a real earlyseason statement with a 3-0 demolition of Manchester United last week to make it three wins from three, but could not follow it up as the Hornets beat them for the first time in 11 Premier League meetings.