Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford Lead Manchester United Past Burnley in EPL

Gianni Verschueren @ReverschPassFeatured ColumnistDecember 28, 2019

Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal with team-mates (L-R) Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred, Manchester United's Belgian-born Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira, Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford and Manchester United's English defender Brandon Williams during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on December 28, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

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Manchester United booked their second Premier League win in a row on Saturday, beating Burnley 2-0 thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

The Frenchman found the net shortly before half-time, after the Red Devils dominated the opening period. The second half saw Burnley push for an equaliser, with no luck, and Rashford scored deep in injury time to secure the three points.

The Red Devils had won just one of their last three Premier League outings before Saturday's match.

United took control of the match almost immediately, and Rashford forced a first good save out of Nick Pope with a well-struck free-kick after 13 minutes.

The Clarets offered little moving forward in the first half and looked shaky every time the visitors broke at pace. Andreas Pereira and Rashford nearly combined to break the deadlock after 19 minutes, but the latter's shot struck the post.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted the home fans were far from satisfied:

Samuel Luckhurst @samuelluckhurst
United have been reasonably decent but Burnley have been so bad. Supporters around us sound exasperated. Will be a sickener for #mufc if they don't win.

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Martial nearly found the breakthrough after 34 minutes, seeing his effort blocked on the line by Phil Bardsley, and Ashley Barnes fired Burnley's only real chance of the half well wide of David De Gea's goal.

United took the lead shortly before half-time, with Pereira playing in Martial. The Frenchman had lots of time to pick his spot, lifting the ball over and past Pope.

ESPN FC's Rob Dawson gave the provider plenty of credit:

Rob Dawson @RobDawsonESPN
That's brilliant from Pereira. The pressing and then the speed and weight of the pass to Martial. Quality.

United were the dominant side early in the second half as well, and Pope had to intervene to deny Martial a second goal after 55 minutes. On the other side of the pitch, Jeff Hendrick was unable to punish a poor clearance from Harry Maguire, firing wildly over.

De Gea was busier after the break, making a fine stop to keep out Bardsley's volley.

The Clarets started to find their groove as the half wore on, pushing for an equaliser. A free-kick from Johann Gudmundsson grazed the cross bar, and a series of balls over the top put real pressure on the United defence.

But the Red Devils stood firm, and Rashford found a second goal deep into added time, rounding Pope before slotting home. The England international has been in fine form of late:

B/R Football @brfootball
Marcus Rashford seals it at the death for Manchester United! That’s six goals in his last seven starts 🔥 https://t.co/3MpwTetTcZ

What's Next?

Both teams will be in action on New Year's Day, when United visit Arsenal and Burnley host Aston Villa.