Premier League transfer round-up: Higuain signs for Chelsea
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's winning start at Manchester United came to end on Tuesday as his team needed a late comeback just to salvage a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League.
Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood had put Burnley on course for a first win at Old Trafford since 1962 but Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof rescued a point for the hosts, who had been frustrated for most of the game by an organized side backed up by in-form goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Solskjaer was looking for a ninth straight win in all competitions — and a record-breaking seventh at the start of a Premier League reign — but United missed the chance to move level on points with fourth-place Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. Burnley moved four points clear of the relegation zone.
Barnes put the visitors ahead in the 51st minute after Andreas Pereira was caught in possession by Jack Cork, and Wood appeared to put the game out of reach when he was afforded space to send a fine cross by Ashley Westwood past David De Gea in the 81st.
But Pogba fired home a penalty with three minutes remaining after Jeff Hendrick had hauled back Jesse Lingard and Lindelof equalized in stoppage time in a comeback the watching Alex Ferguson would have been proud of.
Former United goalkeeper Heaton had denied Pogba and then Alexis Sanchez, but Lindelof reacted quickest to the rebound and directed home to preserve Solskjaer's unbeaten run.
It is the second successive season that United has secured a 2-2 draw against Burnley at Old Trafford in stoppage time.
AP
Player ratings: Manchester United vs Burnley
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Preview:
What time does it start?
Manchester United vs Burnley kicks off at 8pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live in the UK. Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day at 10.20pm on BBC One.
It’s a big game for…
Tom Heaton: Burnley’s shot-stopper admitted this week that he was considering a move away from Turf Moor after Joe Hart’s arrival and Nick Pope’s form saw his game time greatly reduced but he has started all of their last four league fixtures and will need to be on top form if they are to get anything from the game.
Tom Heaton has reclaimed his place in the Burnley squad (Getty)
Best stat…
4: Burnley have only scored four goals against Man United in meetings in all competitions since 1975, spanning ten matches.
Remember when…
Jesse Lingard’s cheeky stoppage-time flick secured a nervy draw with Burnley at Old Trafford in December 2017, denying the visitors their first win at Old Trafford since 1962.
Player to watch…
Marcus Rashford: The England man has been rejuvenated since the arrival of Solskjaer and has scored in each of United’s last four league matches, benefitting from a greater freedom under the Norweigan and being played up front as opposed to out wide.
Rashford has been one of the main benefiaries of Solskjaer's arrival (Getty)
Past three-meetings…
Burnley 0 Manchester United 2 (Lukaku 2), Premier League, September 2018
Burnley 0 Manchester United 1 (Martial), Premier League, January 2018
Manchester United 2 (Lingard 2) Burnley 2 (Barnes, Defour), Premier League, December 2017
It has been two days of twists, turns and tumult in the North West, with Rafa Benitez stirring the pot yesterday with some choice words about his future (or lack thereof) with the club.
Perhaps the timing of positive news on the transfer-front is a little too convenient, then. Newcastle host Manchester City this evening:
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