Burnley 0-1 Manchester United: Player ratings as Pogba strike sends Red Devils top

Manchester United went top of the Premier League as Paul Pogba’s deflected second-half volley gave them a 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.

The first half was dominated by VAR controversy and little else. First, Robbie Brady’s yellow card – which was being checked for a possible red – was overturned when a Luke Shaw foul was spotted in the buildup.

Soon after, Harry Maguire had his header ruled out by referee Kevin Friend, with the technology failing to overturn what looked like a harsh decision.

After the break, United were much improved and got their reward when Pogba volleyed home Marcus Rashford’s cross via a Matt Lowton deflection.

Here are you player ratings from Turf Moor…

Nick Pope (GK) – 7/10 – Made one exceptional save from Anthony Martial in the first half. Was impressive throughout and there was nothing he could do about the goal.

Matt Lowton (RB) – 6/10 – A fairly solid display. He was unlucky to deflect Pogba’s shot past Pope.

James Tarkowski (CB) – 6/10 – Did his job well, dealing with balls in the air and on the floor. Fluffed a massive chance to equalise in the dying moments.

Ben Mee (CB) – 7/10 – His flying overhead kick to try and keep Maguire’s header out was nothing short of heroic.

Erik Pieters (LB) – 5/10 – His slack marking allowed Rashford all the time in the world to pick out Pogba for the goal.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (RM) – 6/10 – One of the only Burnley players to try to travel with the ball, but to no avail ultimately.

Josh Brownhill (CM) – 6/10 – Did well to limit United’s progression in the first half, racking up two interceptions. Struggled to contain Pogba and Fernandes after the break.

Ashley Westwood (CM) – 6/10 – As above, although he went about his business in a less eye-catching fashion.

Robbie Brady (LM) – 6/10 – His archetypal ‘taking one for the team’, last-ditch tackle in the first half was beautiful. One of his only contributions of note.

Chris Wood (ST) – 5/10 – His one good chance was well blocked by Bailly. Starved of service.

Ashley Barnes (ST) – 5/10 – Worked hard and tried to battle for possession in deep areas. Did not have much joy.

Dwight McNeil – 5/10 – Struggled to assert himself.

Matej Vydra – 6/10 – Added some vibrancy to the Burnley attack after coming on, however, was overexcited and snatched at his chances.

Jay Rodriguez – N/A

David de Gea (GK) – 6/10 – Very little to do. Did not even make a save.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 6/10 – Not caused any problems defensively. Was okay going forward.

Eric Bailly (CB) – 8/10 – Made several important blocks to keep the Clarets at bay. Very impressive stuff.

Harry Maguire (CB) – 7/10 – Denied a brilliant, headed goal by the referee before the break. Possibly fortunate to not be penalised for handball.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 7/10 – Previous decisions suggest he should have seen red for his first-half challenge. Whipped in a few dangerous balls, including the one for Maguire’s disallowed goal.

Nemanja Matic (CM) – 7/10 – Kept things ticking over and offered protection on the rare occasions that Burnley countered.

Paul Pogba (CM) – 8/10 – When he drove through the lines, he was unplayable. His goal was superb as well.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 6/10 – Some clever passes and turns in the second half after a slow start. Was a little too eager to shoot at times.

Anthony Martial (RW) – 6/10 – Denied a great goal by Pope just before the break. Spurned a couple of half-chances thereafter. His late hamstring injury is a worry ahead of the Liverpool game.

Edinson Cavani (ST) – 6/10 – Failed to convert a straightforward opportunity just after the break. Was not his day in front of goal.

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 7/10 – Struggled to click with his teammates for much of the game but made up for it with a pinpoint cross that led to Pogba’s goal.

Mason Greenwood – 6/10 – Not given enough time to get involved.

Scott McTominay – N/A

Axel Tuanzebe – N/A