As the ‘Pink Devils’ took to the field at Turf Moor on Sunday, the world was baying for another implosion. There was something in the air, a plane to be exact. It was accompanied with clever of the following words, ‘ED WOODWARD: A SPECIALIST IN FAILURE’ in black and red. Obviously, this was not a first as we had seen a ‘Wrong One – Moyes Out’ banner already in 2014. But this was a resounding indictment of the direction that Manchester United seems to flying in and possibly a portentous crash.
United were coming off the back of a hiding in their own den and with their worst start in the Premier League era. Pundits and journalists alike were predicting a tough test against Burnley side which showed grit and gumption against Olympiakos midweek. Some went to the extent of prematurely pronouncing an easy win for the home side. It was anything but.
A 2-0 victory for United was not a true reflection of the controlled dominance distilled by Mourinho’s team. Apart from the reckless red card for Rashford who fell for the provocation, wiles and kung-fu of Phil Bardsley, it was a vintage away performance. Here are five things we learned from the match.
Another striking development was an air of ease on Mourinho’s face, even before the goal. He looked like a man with a plan and strutted with more assurance on the touchline. I guess that should not be a surprise coming from someone who can boast about being one of the greatest mangers and be right about it!
A swallow does not make a summer and this has been a particularly nightmarish summer for the Red Devils. A victory against Burnley does not change the Kafkaesque gloom and doom into the magical possibilities of Rowling’s Potter –sphere. There are still many issues to address and grievances to redress. But a tough away win and a two-week period to get over the early season troubles is a good way to start the healing process.