Manchester United returned to winning ways on Sunday as Romelu Lukaku's first-half double was enough to give them a 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Match Events
27' GOAL! Burnley 0-1 Man Utd (Lukaku)
A banner protesting against executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was flown over the ground before kick-off, but United were not distracted from the job at hand in the early exchanges, with Jesse Lingard missing three chances in a dominant opening spell.
Burnley grew into the game but found themselves behind 27 minutes in, when Lukaku jumped just high enough to head a fine Alexis Sanchez cross past Joe Hart from six yards out.
It needed a fine save from Hart to deny Lukaku a quick second after a swift break involving Sanchez, but the Belgium striker smashed home from point-blank range to make it 2-0 before half-time after Lingard's shot hit first Charlie Taylor and then Ashley Westwood.
Paul Pogba wasted the chance to make it 3-0 when Hart comfortably saved his rather tame penalty, and Burnley hopes of a comeback were increased two minutes later when substitute Rashford was sent off for pushing his head into Phil Bardsley's after he appeared to kick out at the forward.
Sean Dyche's men pushed forward with the man advantage but Lukaku should have killed off the game, the forward wasting two opportunities when put clean through one-on-one with Hart.
United held firm for their second win of the season, though, allowing Mourinho to head into the two-week international break in a happier mood.
Line-ups
Burnley XI: Lennon, Joe Hart, Bardsley, Cork, Westwood, C.Wood, B. Mee, Hendrick, Tarkowski, Taylor, D. McNeil
Subs: T. Heaton, Ward, Barnes, Vokes, Matej Vydra, K.Long, Lowton
Manchester United XI: A. Valencia, A.Sánchez, M. Fellaini, N. Matić, David de Gea, Smalling, R. Lukaku, V. Lindelöf, P. Pogba, L.Shaw, J. Lingard
Subs: A. Young, Lee Grant, A.Herrera, Fred, A.Martial, Bailly, M. Rashford
V∆7
257
I was one of the people who has been critical of Mourinho and his tactics almost as soon as he got the job. But these past few days I have changed my stance on this. Because I realized if we don't stand behind the manager and support him we won't see any glories and win trophies for a long time. Imagine if we sacked Sir Alex Ferguson after his initial three winless years. Let's be #UNITED as always. We win together, we lose together. That's life.
L10NELMESSI
158
Belgium Mark Henry come to Jose rescue
Lifeishoney
143
Jose Mourinho pats Pogba... media be like "Jose Mourinho smacks Pogba for missing a penalty" #MUFC #BURMUN
jaineelbhatt
99
Common ManU fans lets hope for this
prakashcr7
97
This time mourinho parked the bus in Right place. Congratulations to the bus Parker
viwbdikry
79
The ref missed the kick on Rashford after the ball had gone...should have been 10 v 10. Rashford was rash in his actions. He needs to learn to be more composed.
Yitola
75
Pretty sad that Rashford earned himself a-three-match ban due to untamed reaction. Hope it will guide his future action. Another opportunity to score more goals was missed by Pogba. it's good that United opponent didn't capitalize on the lose of penalty kick and red card to torment Manchester United. Fred should spend sometimes on the bench to study EPL. it's like he hasn't understood or studied the league enough. A better result. Wish Jose Mourinho greater time to build the team around.
zezaclrsty
73
That's doesnt mean MORINHO shouldn't be axed (fired).
kopaiklprs
67
RED! REDS!! REDS!!! Ignore critics; honour Mourinhoh; focus on the trophy; studded stars are enough to make fans proud. EPL is still wide open. REDS 4LIFE!!
Penpusher007
64
"Pogba plays for himself, it's all about how cool he looks, showing us how clever he is. I reckon Pogba's only in the team to maintain his transfer value until United can sell him, because he doesn't merit his place for any other reason." Souness Some United fans will agree...