Manchester United vs Burnley result: Pressure piles on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after new nadir
One “stride forward”, one giant stride back. Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who drew positives from “staying in the game” against historic rivals and the champions-elect, could not put a positive spin on a fourth defeat in seven games for Manchester United – their ninth reverse of the Premier League season already – and Burnley’s first win at Old Trafford since 1962.
Chris Wood’s cute near-post finish and Jay Rodriguez’s extraordinary strike either side of half time were the difference, but then so too were the cohesion, organisation and tactical assurance which Sean Dyche’s visitors showed in stark comparison to their well-heeled hosts. A reminder: United’s wage bill is the biggest in the country.
Their return on that spending is to have the world’s most-expensive defender easily beaten on a set-piece for Wood’s opening goal. It is a forward line so bereft of cover that an 18-year-old is the go-to substitution. And it is a manager who too often comes unstuck against precisely this type of opponent: the type United are supposed to beat.
It would be unfair not to mention United's injury situation – those to Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay cannot be ignored – but the manner in which these injuries were all sustained is beginning to attract scrutiny too. Is it any wonder there is a mounting sense of unrest?
The same anti-Glazer and Ed Woodward chants which were heard during United’s last league home game – the 4-0 victory over Norwich – started up in Stretford End before half an hour had passed, when the game was still goalless, but perhaps the most cutting chant of the evening was a new one: “We want United back.”
Solskjaer’s appointment was supposed to restore that ‘United’. In some ways, it has. Promoting young players is a treasured principle at this club but, of those given opportunities, only Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood have looked at all ready. And yet there is talk of more teenagers filling gaps in a crumbling squad over the weeks to come.
And there is not, otherwise, any sense that Solskjaer is on the cusp of a return to the vibrant, attacking and – most importantly – winning football of Sir Alex Ferguson. There is not even the sense that United are “on the right track”, as their manager is fond of claiming. Rather, when limited to speculative attempts at goal against a side threatened with relegation, the Solskjaer project appears as aimless as their shooting.
Members of Burnley staff sat near the Old Trafford press box still did not believe they would win when Rodriguez’s strike beat David de Gea at his near post. “We’ve been here before,” they said, two goals to the good at Old Trafford for the third year running, still hoping for a first win on this ground in 58 years. They need not have worried. The truth is that a two-goal lead against a side as poor as this United is more than enough.
There have been some dire performances in the 13 months of Solskjaer’s management to date. Everton away last season stands out. Newcastle at St James’ Park this year, too. The first half in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United was truly abysmal. But here was the new nadir, one which made you wonder whether Solskjaer will be allowed to add to this extending, unwanted back catalogue for much longer.
