Manchester United will go into the international break on a positive note after coasting to a 2-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.
The visitors were comfortable for much of the match, with Burnley struggling to create anything of note till the dying embers of the game. In the opposition half though, Manchester United conjured up several opportunities, with Romelu Lukaku converting two of those.
Lukaku received a few chances to score again, but he will have to wait a bit longer for his first hat-trick in Manchester United colours. Paul Pogba had the opportunity to put the game to bed, but he saw his tame penalty being saved by Joe Hart. The biggest moment of the second half though, saw Marcus Rashford being sent off for head-butting Phil Bardsley.
However, Manchester United managed to hold on to their two-goal advantage. The spotlight though, was well and truly on Lukaku, not only for his match-winning brace that saw him level his idol Didier Drogba’s Premier League goal tally but also for his profligacy and budding partnership with Alexis Sanchez.
Good: Romelu Lukaku scored twice today
Bad: Romelu Lukaku should probably have scored like six today
— James Tyler FC (@JamesTylerESPN) September 2, 2018
How am I going to tell my kids Lukaku missed both of these? pic.twitter.com/Z0u7vqhSVH
— Joshua ?? (@big_man_joshyy) September 2, 2018
Romelu Lukaku equals his ‘hero,’ and at a better pace ⚡ pic.twitter.com/hx7RJq2hid
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 2, 2018
Well done everyone, Lukaku profligate but terrific game management after Rashford Red. Pogba brilliant (stupid run up and penalty). Rashford wasn’t a Red. If we are giving that , then give it to all players across the league. Not pick and choose.
— Vinay (@SemperFiUtd) September 2, 2018
I swear Lukaku could have had 5. ?
— The United Link ? (@TheUnitedLink) September 2, 2018
Lukaku’s a great striker and will score many more goals, but he does need to be more prolific and take his chances, especially against better opposition. Could have had about four goals today. Nonetheless, those two goals will do him the world of good.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 2, 2018
Sanchez with the Assist & Lukaku with the goal! The fusion is happening ?? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/lm4KQj3h4O
— Manchester United (@ManUtds_News) September 2, 2018
Fans also talked about a banner that was flown above Turf Moor prior to the game in protest of Ed Woodward, while also expressing their support for Jose Mourinho.
Good day, good result, good performance and a good launch for the campaign. But today is only the start. Keep with us as we explain in the coming days why we believe Ed Woodward is a specialist in failure. After all, it’ll be more interesting than international fortnight!
— A Voice From The Terrace (@AVFTT_1878) September 2, 2018
Plane with a clear message to Ed Woodward followed and the United fans sang “Mourinho’s Red and White Army” the entire game. The fans have made a big statement to the board today.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) September 2, 2018
Definitely Mourinho 1-0 Woodward today. pic.twitter.com/vKr95kDPQw
— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) September 2, 2018
Mourinho went straight to United’s fans at the final whistle at Turf Moor. They were immense the entire match and chanted “Mourinho’s Red Army” for a while.
He’s easily winning the battle against Woodward. pic.twitter.com/FQ2aJk25D0
— H (@BusbyBeast) September 2, 2018
“Mourinho’s Red Army” the away end chanted for at least 7 minutes at the end
— Wayne Barton (@WayneSBarton) September 2, 2018
Once again our fans have shown their class and supported the manager! I’m glad these twitter anti-Mourinho mob are not regular match goers. Here is Mourinho thanking the fans yet again ❤️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/PA3eeKdumh
— Hêlîn (@MUnitedGirl) September 2, 2018
The fans showing Mourinho they’re behind him is not what the media wanna hear
— Michael Barton (@mrmichaelbarton) September 2, 2018
Never seen a manager unite a support like Mourinho has. Unbelievable today. Everyone gave 120%, even the fans! Best away in the last five years, easy. #mufc
— Serge Adam (@SergeMUFC) September 2, 2018
One fan even saw the funny side of the situation between Woodward and Mourinho.
Ed Woodward’s man-management bringing the best out of Mourinho again.
— Matt (@MattSav7) September 2, 2018