Despite their early dominance, Burnley should have gone in front before half time, with Andre Onana making a string of excellent saves to keep them at bay. As the game wore on, United regained a foothold and took the lead in the 79th minute as Antony pounced on a mistake before putting them in front.
However, their advantage lasted a matter of moments as Burnley equalised. It came from the penalty spot as Onana turned from hero to villain, recklessly charging out and punching an opposition player instead of ball. That gave Zeki Amdouni the chance to level – and he did just that, firing the ball home from the spot.
It finished 1-1 as United missed the chance to cement their place in the top six. Here are five talking points from the match…
Antony with a rare strike
Having earlier missed a couple of chances, Antony thought he had won the game for United. In the 79th minute, the Brazilian pounced on a loose pass from Sander Berge, before bursting through on goal. Antony then kept his composure before wrapping the ball into the bottom corner beyond Muric.
It was a fine finish from Antony, who had not scored in the Premier League for over a year before his strike against Burnley. He now has three goals to his name in all competitions this season, having previously struck against Newport and Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The good, the bad and the Onana
After coming under criticism for his mistake earlier this week, Onana made up for that with a string of impressive saves during the first half against Burnley. He was called into action inside the first minute, as he made a routine stop to deny David Datro Fofana.
Burnley were a threat throughout the opening period and thought they had scored in the 34th minute as Lyle Foster powered a header from close range, only for Onana to show impressive reflexes to keep him out.
Shortly after, Onana had to make another vital save to keep his clean sheet intact. Sander Berge threaded a delightful pass through to Foster and the forward had just Onana to beat, but the United ‘keeper made himself big and produced a fine stop.
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Unfortunately for Onana, he blotted his copybook right at the death by giving away a needless penalty. And it’s moments like that, rather than his first-half heroics, which will be remembered when people look back on his maiden season in the Premier League.
Referee controversy
United were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty midway through the first half. It came as Garnacho jinked into the box beyond Lorenz Assignon, before going down after appearing to be caught by the outstretched right leg of Berge.
Although replays showed that Berge got a slight touch on the ball, the Burnley midfielder then followed through and caught Garnacho’s left leg which sent the Argentinian down on to the turf. Despite calls from United, neither the referee John Brooks or VAR decided to intervene.
United then wanted a spot-kick just after half time when Casemiro went down inside the area, but once again Brooks and VAR weren’t interested. Later penalty appeals from Antony and Garnacho were also waved away as United and Ten Hag were left frustrated by the officials.
Burnley live to fight another day
Just. The Clarets are two points adrift of safety and Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand on Vincent Kompany’s side. Last year’s Championship champions have failed to live up to expectations after joining England’s elite but have found some fight in recent weeks.
They still have a puncher’s chance of survival heading into the final rounds of the season. And that’s not to be sniffed at. Burnley sit 19th after winning just five of their 35 matches so far this term and face three more vital games before the end of the campaign, including a possible final day decider against Forest.
Writing on the wall for Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag may have been able to deflect criticism with the distraction of an FA Cup final following United’s calamitous collapse against Coventry City last weekend, but the beleaguered Dutchman has nowhere to hide after this result.
Ten Hag started the season with credit in the bank but that has well and truly evaporated. He could even yet oversee United’s worst ever season in the Premier League era – and given the way the campaign has gone so far, you wouldn’t bet against that actually happening.