1. Angel Di Maria can be pleased with his debut
Di Maria slotted into central midfield with the licence to make diagonal runs towards the edge of Burnley’s 18-yard box to provide crosses, which was a similar role to the one he had for Real Madrid and Argentina.
The midfielder showed his class as early as the 16th minute when he dropped into the centre circle to receive the ball on a half-turn then floated it directly to Robin Van Persie through on goal in one of the best passes of the season so far.
Di Maria had similar passes and explosive runs when Manchester United had to transition quickly. Though he mistimed some of his passes and some of his runs went unnoticed by his teammates, he can expect that to improve as he blends in.
2. It’s been a solid start for the Clarets
It was always going to be a difficult start for Burnley with their first home matches against Chelsea and Manchester United but they performed reasonably well. Against Chelsea, they still lost 3-1 but they had a good opening quarter of an hour and a decent second half.
In this game, they could have pinched a winner early in the game as David Jones hit the crossbar in the opening five minutes. Now Sean Dyche can use the international break to work on important aspects they can improve on such as more aggressive pressing off the ball.
3. Manchester United’s players are terribly short on confidence
Van Gaal warned fans to expect a slow start to his tenure but not even he expected his side to be this self-destructive with the ball at the back. United have been struggling to play from the back and their main problem has not been the lack of defenders who are comfortable on the ball, as has been widely suggested.
Jonny Evans was the best user of the ball in central defence during Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season, but he was woeful in this game. David De Gea is a two-footed goalkeeper who has always been comfortable on the ball from his days in La Liga but he made some shocking stray passes. Phil Jones has played a considerable number of games in positions that demand better use of the ball than he is currently demonstrating. Even Tyler Blackett has shown a decent passing range throughout his starts but he mistimed simple short passes. United may need more quality but the need for confidence is even more pressing.
4. Rooney needs to get more involved in the build-up play
Wayne Rooney has been a peripheral figure in the new formation. The Manchester United captain is a real threat up top but he has not been involved enough in games to be effective.
He is naturally a player who likes to drop deeper and link up play, help other players and then make delayed runs into the box. He seems to be confined to just waiting for service up top without the freedom to roam that he is used to.
It is hard to get the best out of him when just he stays up in a team that struggles to get the ball in the final-third often enough for him to make his mark.
4. This is a welcome break for United
Apart from the well-documented long-term problems Manchester United have, they also have a lot of short-term problems that should lessen after the international break.
After the break, Marcos Rojo who can add natural width in the left wing-back position should have his work permit, Daley Blind who could play in various defensive positions with confidence should be available, Robin Van Persie should be in better condition and a raft of key players out with injuries will either be available or nearing returns.
