Burnley 0-1 Manchester United
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Anthony Martial's goal was his 11th of the season
Manchester United beat Burnley thanks to Anthony Martial's well-taken goal at Turf Moor but remain 12 points behind leaders Manchester City.
Martial's second-half strike was one of only two efforts on target from the visitors in a display that was effective rather than entertaining.
After a dour first half, Martial fired in off the underside of the bar after good work in the build-up from Romelu Lukaku.
Burnley pressed forward in search of a leveller, coming closest when Johann Berg Gudmundsson's free-kick hit the bar.
But United goalkeeper David de Gea rarely looked like blotting his side's fifth successive clean sheet despite a siege on his goal in the final five minutes.
Manchester City defeated Newcastle 3-1 later on Saturday to maintain their advantage over their city rivals.
United attack awaits Sanchez arrival
Manchester United had 10 shots off target (red) or blocked (yellow) with Anthony Martial responsible for both the efforts on target (green) for the visitors
As United extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight games, it was a scoreline - rather than performance - for their travelling fans to enjoy.
In front of club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, United took the points in a style in keeping with manager Jose Mourinho's regular modus operandi, rather than the club's dynamic, attacking traditions.
The apparently imminent arrival of industrious Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez will surely jump-start an attack that lacked pace, invention or a single shot on target in the first half.
But, on this occasion, the individual quality of United's squad emerged for just long enough to deliver the decisive goal.
The previously pedestrian Lukaku came to life, barging aside Ben Mee and Steven Defour to secure the loose ball before sweeping it across the field to find Martial, who expertly stood up Phil Bardsley before scoring.
Mourinho compliments Burnley after 'hard' game
Burnley's reverse run continues
Dyche's side were fourth in the Premier League after the home win over Stoke last month
After a stellar first half of the season, Sean Dyche's Burnley have now lost four matches in a row for the first time since May 2015.
The manager has claimed a poor run of results is inevitable for those outside the Premier League's powerhouses, and his side played well enough to end their losing streak.
They had as many shots, as many efforts on target and, at 48%, only slightly less possession than the visitors.
In Mee and, especially, James Tarkowski, they also had the game's standout defensive players.
Amid his excellent work at his own end, Tarkowski came close to a goal at the other as Gudmundsson's low cross just evaded his outstretched boot.
The 25-year-old's new contract, signed on 4 January, is one result the Clarets, now eighth, can be proud of in recent weeks.
Man of the match - James Tarkowski (Burnley)
Anthony Martial and Ashley Young were dangerous on United's left, but Tarkowski was superb in limiting the visitors' threat
United improve on the road - the stats
Manchester United have won five of their last six away Premier League games (drawing the other one), after winning just two of the 10 prior to this run (drawing four and losing four).
The Clarets have lost three consecutive Premier League home games for the first time since April 2010.
Burnley have won one of their last 25 matches against Manchester United in all competitions.
Anthony Martial has scored in three consecutive Premier League appearances for United for the first time.
David de Gea has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in Europe's big five leagues this season (14).
'I think Alexis is coming' - what they said
Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "The defining moment is an absolutely fantastic finish from a player they brought in for a lot of money. They just found a moment and that is our next stage of our development but we are not too far away.
Burnley performance pleases Dyche despite defeat
"Despite it being a tricky run I'm delighted with the way we are going. Eighth in the Premier League is no mean feat but we have to keep playing like that to get back to winning ways.
Asked about a move for Everton's Aaron Lennon: "Aaron Lennon is a possibility, there are a few players we have been linked with so we will see."
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: "If you don't score you are in trouble, they go direct, they are consistent in their approach it is really difficult.
"We defended very well, and it is fair to say Mike Dean and his team were very good. There was a lot of first ball, second ball and the physicality.
"Of course we are happy with him (Anthony Martial), we just want consistency, we know he has the talent."
Asked about Alexis Sanchez coming to Manchester United from Arsenal: "If you ask me if I think he is coming, I think so, but I have no confirmation."
What's next?
Burnley are next in action away to Newcastle on Wednesday 31 January, with Manchester United tackling Yeovil away on Friday, before a league trip to Tottenham on the same day as the Clarets' visit to Tyneside.
- Published21 January 2018
