Ralf Rangnick rang the changes and got a much-improved performance from his Manchester United players in a 3-1 win over Burnley, which moves his side up to sixth in the Premier League table.
2021/2022 Premier League
3-1
Match Report
After a disappointing draw at Newcastle on Monday, Rangnick made six changes to his line-up and shifted from his preferred 4-2-2-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The move was rewarded within eight minutes, when Scott McTominay fired in from the edge of the box.
A rejuvenated United played with a lot more fluency and looked like they'd run away with it when Ben Mee deflected in Jadon Sancho's shot (27) and Cristiano Ronaldo tapped in (35) after McTominay's strike had been pushed onto the bar.
Burnley had caused problems at the other end, though, and Aaron Lennon's quick response (38) was a sharp reminder of United's defensive vulnerabilities.
However, a quieter second half was ultimately a comfortable one for United, with the impressive Wayne Hennessey preventing McTominay from adding to the scoreline.
United will finish the year four points off fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Burnley - who hadn't played in 18 days - remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety but having played a game fewer than Watford.
More to follow...
What's next?
Manchester United host Wolves live on Sky Sports on Monday in a 5.30pm kick-off, while Burnley are back in action at 2pm on Sunday when they go to Leeds.
Line-ups
Man Utd XI: Ronaldo, Cavani, Matic, De Gea, Maguire, Shaw, Bailly, Sancho, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Greenwood
Subs: Alex Telles, Varane, Fred, Lingard, Dean Henderson, Van de Beek, Dalot, Rashford, A. Elanga
Burnley XI: Lennon, Hennessey, Cork, Gudmundsson, Westwood, Wood, Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor, McNeil
Subs: Pieters, Bardsley, Stephens, Vydra, W. Norris, N. Collins, B. Thomas