Three Things We Learned From Manchester United’s 0-0 Draw Against Burnley

Although Manchester United showed signs of improvement in their game against Burnley, they were still unable to register their first League win of the campaign. While the visitors dominated the possession, they didn’t create too many clear cut chances and on the occasions they did, fluffed their lines. The home side to their credit, got off to a bright start but were unable to maintain their pressure and in the end would’ve been disappointed that they came away from the game with just a solitary point. The visitors too had their own reasons to feel aggrieved as they should’ve had at least one if not two penalties, which would’ve given them a much-needed victory.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

Di Maria provides a glimmer of hope

The £59.7 million Manchester United paid Real Madrid to bring Angel Di Maria to Old Trafford was seen by some as a sign that the club could still get their hands on truly world-class players, even without Champions League football. Others saw it as an unnecessary signing, when central midfield and defense were in dire need of replenishment. But after his debut against Burnley, there was a sense that both parties were right.

Although Di Maria was arguably the side’s most potent creator, the problems in defense was still there for all to see. The club’s record signing made a favorable impression on his debut and created a couple of glorious chances for Robin Van Persie and Juan Mata who both failed to take them. Although he didn’t get too many chances to dribble past his opponents, he was still just as effective through his penetrative passing. Whether it was dropping deep to help out the defense or providing probing passes Di Maria did the job and is already showing promise of becoming the player he was brought in to be.

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History doesn’t repeat itself at Turf Moor

Four years ago when Robbie Blake scored to give Burnley a famous win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, a few eyebrows raised about the side’s performances, but not too long after, it was put aside as a blip. Had Burnley managed to do that again, it wouldn’t have been too much of a surprise considering the form that the Red Devils had come into this fixture in.

Manager Sean Dyche would’ve been disappointed that his side failed to break down a United defense which conceded four goals just a few days ago. Although they had their fair share of chances, the home side were unable to find a way past De Gea and on the one occasion they did, hit the bar. David Jones, who tested De Gea with a long-range effort was unlucky to see his shot tipped over the bar, but in the end, they just couldn’t quite score and get the job done. If Burnley are to stay up, they need to start taking their chances and winning at home.

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Red Devils starting to show promise, but need results to back it up

Two points from the opening three Premier League games is hardly the kind of form that is going to please the Manchester United faithful. But at least against Burnley, the side showed signs of life and didn’t look as bad as the opening two games whether it was in attack or in defense. While the performances so far haven’t been great, the fans can at least take solace from the fact that there is a bigger picture at work, something that was absent last season.

Against Burnley, the addition of Di Maria added some much need energy and invention into the midfield and the side were finally able to put out their strongest back line so far. The fact that the defenders started to stretch the play and the wing backs got forward more often and played like a 3-4-1-2 is something that would please Van Gaal. With the imminent arrival of Daley Blind and the return of a few first-team regulars, things are starting to look up for Van Gaal, but unless he gets a few wins under his belt, the fans are unlikely to sing his name for much longer.