Manchester United ended the year with a victory over Burnley at Old Trafford. The Reds defeated Sean Dyche’s side 3-1 in a game in which Scott McTominay shone.
Burnley had the opening chance of the half when Wood headed a wonderful feed from McNeil just high and wide.
It appeared to be one of those nights; the game was open, it was a fast end-to-end game of football. The next chance came to Ronaldo via an outstanding Luke Shaw cross, who was through on goal but hammered the ball far over the bar. Ralf Rangnick had urged his United team to be more energetic and clinical, and they took advantage of their next chance at goal.
In the seventh minute, Greenwood darted into the box, but his shot was blocked. The ball fell back to Greenwood and he passed it to Ronaldo. His first touch was heavy, but it fell kindly for Scott McTominay, who smashed it into the bottom corner with his right foot.
This is what it means to be a Red ❤️
🔴 @McTominay10#MUFC | #MUNBUR pic.twitter.com/0p6j7Id4V0
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 31, 2021
When Burnley did manage to surge forward, United kept possession well and defended resolutely. Luke Shaw, who had returned to the starting XI with a point to prove, rushed forward and struck a long-range shot into the side netting.
Burnley had a terrific stretch of possession after receiving a free kick in a dangerous area, but they couldn’t make it count on that occasion.
In reality, it was United who took advantage of their chances once more, as a mix-up between the Burnley defenders allowed Shaw to set up Jason Sancho, who moved into the area and placed the ball into the far corner, albeit with a tiny deflection from Ben Mee.
Greenwood, like Ronaldo, was working hard and had another chance to score, with a powerful shot that found Hennessey’s gloves.
McTominay was having a good game when he sprinted onto a ball and took it the first time. His rocket of a shot was brilliantly pushed into the post by Hennessey, but Ronaldo was there for the rebound and tapped it in as Hennessey struggled back to his feet.
Burnley, on the other hand, rallied quickly and clawed one back inside minutes. With a wonderful run into the area, Aaron Lennon buried it into the far corner.
The second half began with United continuing where they left off, with Ronaldo having an opportunity that went wide. Greenwood also shot another rocket at the Burnley goal, but Hennessey was able to save it.
17 – With a goal and assist tonight against Burnley, Cristiano Ronaldo has now registered double figures for goal involvements in each of his last 17 league seasons, scoring eight goals and assisting three more so far this campaign. Relentless. pic.twitter.com/asMhqlbKsZ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 30, 2021
United launched a counter-attack from a Burnley corner, with Sancho leading the push. Sancho hesitated as the Burnley defense trailed back, and it was eventually Scott McTominay who took the shot, another long-range power strike that Hennessey deflected over the bar. McTominay had a chance to score a hat-trick!
It was now Cavani’s turn to shoot. Sancho passed the ball to Ronaldo, who passed it to Cavani. He fired the shot straight on goal hitting Hennessey square in the face. The Welsh international comes up with another outstanding save.
Burnley had some decent moments and had a number of late set-piece chances, but United had more drive than in recent games, and it paid off.
United finished the year with a thrilling victory in front of their home fans at the Theatre of Dreams.
