Pedri to the rescue for Barcelona! Winners, losers & ratings as injury-hit La Liga leaders seal narrow win over Celta Vigo

Barcelona moved back to the top of the La Liga table with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo at Camp Nou, thanks to a first half effort from Pedri.

Barcelona had teenagers Pedri and Gavi to thank after returning to the top of the table ahead of next weekend’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.

Xavi had to prepare his squad for the contest while coping with a long list of injury absentees, including the likes of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Hector Bellerin.

Despite the loss of some key men, Barca took an early lead when Gavi teed up Pedri to open the scoring in the 17th minute.

Barcelona were dominant in the first 45 minutes and were good value for their half-time lead but Celta came roaring back after the break and had chances to equalise.

Strand Larsen did get the ball in the back of the net for the visitors but Barcelona escaped when it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen then saved from Iago Aspas in the closing stages as Barca hung on to three vital points that will see them arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 16 above Real Madrid in the table.

GettyWinners

Pedri: The Barcelona teenager got his name on the scoresheet for just the second time this season with the opening goal. He made the run into the penalty area and was rewarded when the ball broke kindly to him, giving him a very simple finish.

Barcelona have been reliant on Robert Lewandowski for goals this season and Pedri’s strike is exactly what Xavi will want from his midfielder this season.

The 19-year-old has now scored eight goals in La Liga so far from just 16 shots on target.

Gavi: The teenager was the absolute star of the show for Barcelona with a typically tenacious, hard-working and thoroughly effective performance. He drove the Catalans on and was a big reason why Xavi’s side took home all three points.

The first goal came from Gavi’s drive and desire to make things happen. The teenager escaped down the left and put a ball into the box which was finished off by Pedri to give Barcelona the lead.

Gavi followed that up with a brilliant piece of play that summed him up completely. The teenager chased back and put in a superb challenge to take the ball off Iago Aspas, seconds later he was connecting with a cross at the far post and was inches away from scoring. Absolutely Relentless.

Barcelona left-backs: Xavi named not one, not two but three left-backs in his starting XI for the clash against Celta after seeing Araujo, Kounde, Christensen and Bellerin all ruled out through injury.

Eric Garcia was left on the bench, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Inter, leaving Xavi to start young left-back Alejandro Balde on the right, with Jordi Alba on the opposite flank and Marcos Alonso in the middle alongside Pique.

It was a patched-up defence and had a few shaky moments, especially in the second half, but ultimately did the job against Aspas and Co. The results also means that Barcelona have still only conceded once in La Liga so far this season.

AdvertisementGettyLosers

Ferran Torres: The Spain international was handed a rare start by Xavi but did little to suggest he should stay in the starting XI ahead of key games against Inter and Real Madrid.

Torres is struggling for form and confidence and an early miss will have done little to help his cause. Another tame shot was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.

The January signing was replaced by Ansu Fati just after the hour mark and he will have to get used to life back on the bench.

Raphinha: The Brazilian was back on the right flank for Barcelona after a tough time on the left against Inter in midweek in the Champions League.

Raphinha certainly didn't lack for effort but is struggling to convince at Camp Nou right now. He tested Marchesín with an early shot from range but the goalkeeper was equal to it.

The summer arrival was then left furious after being denied a penalty in the first half and was hooked for Ousmane Dembele on the hour.

Iago Aspas: The Celta Vigo striker usually loves playing Barcelona and headed to Camp Nou with 10 goals in 15 games against the Catalan giants.

The striker’s eyes may have lit up when he saw Xavi’s teamsheet too, with three left-backs in the back four, but the hosts coped with the threat of Aspas well.

Aspas also spurned a glorious chance to equalise with 83 minutes on the clock. The striker only had Marc-Andre ter Stegen to beat inside the penalty area but saw his effort saved by the German's right boot.

GettyBarcelona Ratings: Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10): Another clean sheet for the goalkeeper who has still only been beaten once this season. Made an important stop from Aspas late on to preserve the win for the hosts.

Alejandro Balde (6/10): The teenage left-back was deployed on the right once again due to Barca’s injury problems and put in a solid shift. Replaced late on by Sergi Roberto.

Gerard Pique (7/10): Started the season on the bench but Barca's injury crisis has allowed him back into the starting XI. Put in a solid showing and had a chance at the other end with a header that flew over.

Marcos Alonso (6/10): The left-back partnered Gerard Pique at centre-back and did a good job up against Aspas. Brilliant block to deny Oscar in the second half.

Jordi Alba (6/10): Back in the starting XI and put some quality deliveries in the Celta penalty early on but was guilty of some sloppy passing that put Barca in trouble after the break.

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GettyMidfield

Sergio Busquets (6/10): Had to drop really deep in the second half as Celta pressed hard for the equaliser. Could be seen urging his team-mates on as the visitors threatened a comeback.

Gavi (8/10): An all-action showing from the teenager. Was absolutely everywhere and set up the first goal for Pedri.

Pedri (8/10): Followed Gavi into the box and was on hand to net the winner with his second goal of the season. Won’t score many easier goals in his career.

‘You’d be lucky to work at Tesco!’ – Jose Mourinho’s savage rant at ex-Chelsea striker Carlton Cole that led to forward training like ‘prime Ibrahimovic’

Ex-Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has revealed that Jose Mourinho once told him he would be “lucky to work at Tesco” during a savage post-game rant.

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Portuguese famed for speaking his mindHappy to tear into players during trainingLooking to get a positive responseWHAT HAPPENED?

The fiery Portuguese coach is famed for wearing his heart on his sleeve – with those at his disposal growing accustomed to receiving the hairdryer treatment. Cole found himself on the receiving end of Mourinho’s sharp tongue following a Premier League meeting with Liverpool in which he did not even take to the field.

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Chelsea lost the game in question 4-0 – in what was a rare blot of Mourinho’s copybook during his time at Stamford Bridge – with there plenty to mull over after the game. Cole found himself in the firing line ahead of a training session that saw the Blues’ outspoken boss make it clear that he expected standards to improve.

WHAT THEY SAID

Cole, who also represented West Ham in his playing career and earned seven caps for England, has told : “I've sat down and I'm thinking ‘Here we go … someone's going to get the hair-dryer treatment'. But it was all about me! He was going to me ‘Listen Carlton, you're never gonna make it'. 'You’re not serious, all you care about is going out, you’d be lucky to be working in Tesco’s'. I was only 21 at the time, I was thinking ‘that’s a big drop.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

While Cole was left surprised at incurring Mourinho’s wrath, the desired response was achieved as he went on to star in the subsequent training session. He added: “I’ll tell you what. I went out to train I had the best training session of my life. I was like prime Ibrahimovic – just smashing balls, using my body, I was on top form!”

Aitana Bonmati is on another planet! Spain star wins Women's World Cup Golden Ball with Mary Earps clinching Golden Glove and Japan's Hinata Miyazawa securing Golden Boot

Aitana Bonmati has claimed the Women’s World Cup Golden Ball for champions Spain, with Mary Earps and Hinata Miyazawa other big winners.

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La Roja take the ultimate prizeCollect two individual awardsLionesses keeper recognisedGettyGOLDEN BALL

What a season it has been for Barcelona midfielder Bonmati. After helping to deliver Liga F and Champions League glory at club level in 2022-23, she has now gone on to inspire a World Cup triumph. The classy 25-year-old was constantly pulling the strings for Spain in Australia and New Zealand, with the Catalan native able to make the game look so easy.

She appeared to be playing a different sport to her international rivals at times, with three goals recorded from the middle of the park. The first of those came in a group stage opener against Costa Rica, before then bagging a brace in a 5-1 demolition of Switzerland in the last 16. Bonmati starred for Spain throughout and must now be considered a leading contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.

AdvertisementGettyBEST YOUNG PLAYER

Teenage forward Salma Paralluelo was trusted with leading the line for Spain in their final showdown with England. The 19-year-old embraced the pressure being lumped onto her young shoulders as she posed the Lionesses all kinds of problems with her movement and pacey runs in behind. The Barcelona starlet was rightly recognised as the hottest prospect at the Women’s World Cup, as she took the Best Young Player award, with crucial late goals being recorded in quarter-final and semi-final clashes with the Netherlands and Sweden respectively.

GettyGOLDEN BOOT

Japan enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals, having stunned eventual champions Spain 4-0 at one stage to top their group. Miyazawa was the undoubted star of the show for the Asian heavyweights as she netted five times in total. Two of those efforts came in an opening 5-0 win over Zambia, with another brace recorded in the aforementioned giant-killing of Spain. The 23-year-old midfielder, who plays her club football for Mynavi Sendai, was also on target in a 3-1 victory over Norway in the last-16 – allowing her to walk away with the top-scorer prize.

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GettyGOLDEN GLOVE

It was not to be for England as they fell narrowly short in a bid to secure a historic global crown, but the Lionesses can be extremely proud of their efforts. The reigning European Champions suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Women’s World Cup final, but Manchester United goalkeeper Earps kept them in that contest when saving a second-half penalty. She landed the Golden Glove on the back of keeping three clean sheets in the tournament and being a reliable last line of defence for England.

WATCH: Dazzling from Ousmane Dembele! Winger opens PSG account after sublime first touch as Vitinha crashes in screamer off the post to give Parisians control over Monaco

Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha both scored brilliant goals for Paris Saint-Germain in an eventual 5-2 win over Monaco on Friday.

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Dembele controlled brilliantly and finishedVitinha bent a stunning effort into the top cornerPSG comfortable against Ligue 1 rivalsWHAT HAPPENED?

PSG recorded a comfortable win over Monaco on Friday, running out 4-2 winners. Goncalo Ramos scored the opening goal, before an equaliser from Takumi Minamino. Kylian Mbappe then put PSG ahead from the penalty spot.

Ousmane Dembele then scored a brilliant third goal, controlling the ball on the run before slamming it home, and Vitinha followed that up with a stunning effort from the edge of the box. Folarin Balogun responded to make the score 4-2, before Randal Kolo Muani added a fifth in the 96th minute.

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PSG have been in fine form this season and their win over Monaco has now moved them four points clear of second-placed Nice. Monaco remain third, and are now six points back.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

PSG face Newcastle in a huge Champions League clash this week, and their massive win on Friday will be a major confidence boost. They will play Le Havre in Ligue 1 next weekend.

VARchester United! Have Solskjaer's side really been helped by referees?

Fans of rival clubs believe that the Red Devils have benefited from preferential treatment this season, so Goal has reviewed all 19 of their penalties

Not since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson have we heard so much talk about Manchester United getting preferential treatment off referees.

Social media has been running wild with talk of 'VARchester United' and 'Man Utd Penalty Bingo' because of how many spot-kicks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been awarded this season.

However, even Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has voiced his concern over the number of decisions that seem to be going United's way.

But are United really receiving help from the officials?

Below, we review all 19 penalties awarded to the Red Devils this season to see whether there's anything to these conspiracy theories…

Getty1FA Cup: Man Utd 1-3 Chelsea

Callum Hudson-Odoi blatantly tripped Martial as United tried in vain to get themselves back into the semi-final showdown at Wembley.  Fernandes fired home but it was little more than a consolation goal for United as their hopes of FA Cup glory went up in smoke.

Verdict: PENALTY!

AdvertisementGetty2Premier League MD34: Aston Villa 0-3 Man Utd

The most controversial decision of the season? It was certainly a historic one, as United equalled the record for most penalties received in a single Premier League season (13). Jon Moss pointed to the spot after Fernandes had been upended by Ezri Konsa in the area. However, on closer inspection, it emerged that the attacking midfielder had actually initiated the contact. However, VAR inexplicably agreed with Moss, clearing the way for Fernandes to open the scoring. Villa boss Dean Smith called it a "disgraceful" decision and his fury was understandable.

Verdict: NO PENALTY!

Getty Images3Premier League MD33: Man Utd 5-2 Bournemouth

The game at Old Trafford was tied at one goal apiece when Mike Dean pointed to the spot in the 35th minute, after noticing an Adam Smith handball. Rashford took care of the rest as United went on to record an impressive victory.

Verdict: PENALTY!

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Getty4Premier League MD30: Tottenham 1-1 Man Utd

Eric Dier was bamboozled by Paul Pogba's neat footwork and bundled the Frenchman over in the box. Fernandes scored from the spot to salvage a point for United.

Verdict: PENALTY!

N.B. Jon Moss awarded United a penalty in the dying minutes for another perceived foul on Pogba by Dier but the referee was correctly overruled by VAR.

Should’ve taken the red card! Harry Maguire in Man Utd ban admission after opting against chopping down flying Fulham winger Adama Traore

Harry Maguire has admitted that he probably should have taken a red card and subsequent ban at the end of Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham.

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Red Devils suffered dramatic defeatDefender could have stopped late attackWas already on a yellow card at the timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international defender collected a caution against the Cottagers after catching Sasa Lukic with a high challenge, which could have seen him sent off on a different day, and found himself walking a disciplinary tightrope from that point.

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He opted against chopping down flying Fulham winger Adama Traore deep into stoppage-time, after being caught out of position, and could only watch on helplessly as Alex Iwobi was teed up for a dramatic winner at Old Trafford.

WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

Maguire concedes that he could have taken one for the team and served a suspension knowing that United could have had another point on the board. He has said: “I was on a booking myself. In hindsight, maybe I should have just brought him down, but then you miss next week. It's easy to say now. We can say we should have been more cautious, we were far too naive, we can look back and assess it in terms of areas we can improve on, but ultimately over 90 minutes, we didn't do enough to win the game. I thought the reaction to going behind was really good. All the boys pushing, fighting, doing everything they can to get back into the game. We thoroughly deserved the equaliser. Then we went on and we pushed. We had all the pressure, all the momentum and the belief was there that we were going to go on and win the game. In the end, we’ve probably just thrown one too many bodies forward, left the middle of the pitch open and they’ve punished us with a clinical counter-attack.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Maguire hauled United level against Fulham in the 89th minute, only to see them concede again in the 97th. The Red Devils sit seventh in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of the top four and Champions League qualification, with an FA Cup fifth round clash at Nottingham Forest next on the agenda for them.

'We can't do much more' – Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson responds to shocking away form that will have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney worried

Phil Parkinson is not concerned about Wrexham's away form and says his side couldn't have done much more on their recent travels.

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Wrexham struggling to pick up winsParkinson not worried by away resultsFace Accrington Stanley at home nextGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Paul Mullin's stoppage-time penalty rescued theWelsh side a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Forest Green Roverson Tuesday night, meaning they have won just two of their last eight League Two matches. And despite having the 10th-best away form in the division, manager Parkinson says the overall points total is more important than home and away results.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

He said, via Welsh publication The Leader: "What will determine the top-three finish hopefully will be the points total whether they are home or away. We drew at Forest Green, lost at Gillingham, were outstanding when we drew at MK Dons and we beat Sutton so we have lost one out of the last four If you look at the last four away games, we can't do much more. We have freshened the team up, we have had a plan B from the bench if we needed it. We are trying everything but for the dominance we have had, and you go back to six weeks ago when we didn't get any control in the away games, these last four away games have been different. We have controlled the games a lot better and the moments will come if we keep playing in that manner."

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Wrexham had the chance to go back into the automatic promotion spots in midweek but Crewe Alexandra currently occupy third spot. The Red Dragons are just three points behind league leaders Mansfield Town and they have the best home form in the division. But if they want to finish in the top three, they cannot afford to drop so many points in the remainder of the season.

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WHAT NEXT?

Next up for fourth-placed Wrexham is a home clash against 15th-positioned Accrington Stanley on Saturday at the Racecourse. The 'Owd Reds won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in November so the Welsh outfit will want to exact revenge this time out.

Ultimate Belgium dream team – De Bruyne & Hazard in, Courtois out

Some of the greatest modern-day stars have featured for Belgium, but only the best are allowed in our all-time XI!

Belgium have been a force to be reckoned with at the international stage over the course of the last decade or so.

They missed out on qualification for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, but the emergence of Belgium's "golden generation" consisting of players such as Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne saw them return to the highest level.

The Red Devils made it to the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup, rose to the top of the Fifa Rankings, and then won the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup.

Their recent successes have reminded fans of their previous glory days, with Belgium making it to the final at Euro 1980 and the semi-finals at the 1986 World Cup, with players like Jean-Marie Pfaff, Enzo Scifo and Jan Ceulemans making waves at the global scene back then.

But who make their ultimate dream team?

Let's take a look!

Getty ImagesGK: Michel Preud'homme

Rated as one of the best and most consistent goalkeepers of his era, Preud'homme was the first winner of the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper at the 1994 World Cup.

The shot-stopper played 58 times for Belgium between 1979 to 1995 and featured in two World Cups for his country.

Preud'homme made his final appearance for his country in December 1994 in a 4-1 Euro 1996 qualifier against Spain.

Thibaut Courtois might feel slightly hard done by as he narrowly misses out on the No.1 jersey, but the Real Madrid star still has a few seasons ahead of him and could very well dethrone his illustrious compatriot in the years to come!

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Jan Vertonghen

A product of the Ajax youth academy, Vertonghen is a versatile left-back who can also feature as a centre-back.

Vertonghen made his international debut in 2007 and with 141 caps (including three unofficial games), he is the highest-capped player in the history of Belgian football.

The defender helped Belgium to a fourth-placed finish at the 2008 Olympics, reached the quarter-final at the 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, while also helping them to a third-placed finish at the 2018 World Cup.

GettyCB: Philippe Albert

One of the most attack-minded centre-backs of his generation, Albert made 41 appearances for the Belgian national team between 1987 to 1997.

The defender featured at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, having made his debut in 1987.

Albert rose to fame at the 1994 World Cup when he played in four of Belgium's games, scoring against Netherlands and against Germany in the second-round game, which his team lost 3-2.

The former Newcastle man just beats Toby Alderweireld to a spot at the heart of the defence.

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Getty ImagesCB: Vincent Kompany

One of the greatest Belgian defenders of the modern era, Kompany made his international debut in 2004 at the age of 17 and was part of Belgium's squad for the 2008 Olympics.

After making a name for himself at Manchester City, Kompany became Belgium's captain in 2010 and he featured for his country at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

Between 2004 and 2019, Kompany made 89 appearances for Belgium, scoring four goals.

Messi meets America: Documentary trailer & premiere date for six-part series offering behind-the-scenes look at move to MLS & start to life at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami generated interest around the world, and the ‘Messi meets America’ documentary is about to air on Apple TV+.

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Stunning switch to the United StatesAlready landed major silverwareCameras following his every moveWHAT IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA'?

The six-part series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner ended up in the United States – with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham playing a leading role in that deal – and the start made by the iconic Argentine to life in Florida with his MLS employers.

Watch Messi Meets America on Apple TV+Sign up todayAdvertisementWATCH: 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' TRAILER

Messi has not disappointed since deciding to go chasing the American dream, with an immediate impact made in the Sunshine State, and have been following him every step of the way – with a trailer released to whet the appetite of those desperate for another dose of “Messi Mania”.

WHAT THEY SAID

Fans across the globe can start to get excited as the production promises: “After over twenty unforgettable and record-breaking years of excellence between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with the Argentina national football team, Leo Messi made a landmark decision that forever changed the face of soccer in North America by joining Major League Soccer and Inter Miami CF. Now, with unprecedented access to Messi and his new Inter Miami CF family, ‘Messi Meets America’ takes viewers behind-the-scenes as the greatest player to ever step on the pitch leads his new team to a Leagues Cup title and beyond. From selling out record crowds across America at breakneck speed, to his incredible last-minute game-winning goal in his very first match, to moments with Messi and his Inter Miami CF teammates, the series chronicles Leo’s immersion in America, the remarkable journey and transformation of Inter Miami CF, and most significantly, the impact he is currently having on soccer in North America as ‘Messi Mania’ crisscrosses the continent.”

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GOALWHEN IS 'MESSI MEETS AMERICA' RELEASED?

The first three episodes of ‘Messi meets America’ will premiere globally on October 11. Three further episodes will be aired by at a later date – with the all-time great hoping to shake off an injury in time to help Inter Miami into the 2023 MLS play-offs.

Man Utd are losing their identity! Ugly win at Burnley underlined need for Erik ten Hag's side to be more ambitious and play on front foot

United had pitiful levels of possession and offered little in attack beyond their stunning goal at Turf Moor – they badly need a defined style of play

It felt like a huge victory. "A must-win game" was how Erik ten Hag described it and the visiting fans were in fine voice after the full-time whistle at Turf Moor, serenading unlikely hero Jonny Evans with songs they used to sing about Gary Neville and John O'Shea.

But strip away the emotion of getting a first away victory of the season and the feel-good factor of Evans' virtuoso display, and Manchester United's scrappy 1-0 win at Burnley felt less like a turning point for Erik ten Hag's side and more like a sign of how low they have sunk.

Beyond Bruno Fernandes' world-class volley, there was little to brag about from a disjointed and ugly win by the narrowest of margins over a team that have taken just one point from five matches since returning to the Premier League. Even though the three points were badly needed, United's abject performance in Lancashire showed how the club are in desperate need of an identity. Unless they find one, they will have precious few more moments to celebrate.

Getty ImagesPitiful levels of possession

The name Burnley used to be a synonym for ugly football, an antidote to the usual glitz and glamour of the Premier League and a reminder that you can still get far with hard work and grit. But the tables were truly turned on Saturday as the Clarets played the most attractive football and United, who were always renowned for scintillating, attacking play, acted like destroyers.

Vincent Kompany may have transformed Burnley into a far more attractive side than they were under Sean Dyche, and they won promotion last season in record-breaking time. However, you would still expect United, with their budget, to take the initiative.

Instead, they had just 38 percent of possession, the lowest of the four visitors to Turf Moor this season (Manchester City had 65%, Aston Villa 43% and Tottenham 54%). They also came away with the narrowest scoreline, with City easing to a 3-0 victory, Villa winning 3-1 and Tottenham hammering Kompany's side 5-2.

Burnley also made 647 passes, more than in any previous Premier League game, with United making just 400. Possession is not always the key to victory, but United's scant time on the ball has to be a concern. For one five-minute period in the second half, they had just 10% possession. They were too slow when they built out from the back and, the goal aside, they had few effective counter-attacks.

AdvertisementGetty Clean sheet but three lucky breaks

Given that United had lost their previous three matches in all competitions and had conceded three or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time since 1978, it was understandable that Ten Hag pointed to his team's defensive security after the game.

United had conceded 14 goals in their previous five games and travelled to Turf Moor missing three of their five centre-backs (four if you count Luke Shaw), so the clean sheet was very welcome.

"We were very disciplined and followed the rules," Ten Hag said. "There is togetherness and there is unity and there is real good spirit in the dressing room."

The manager's analysis ignored three key moments in the game, however: Zeki Amdouni's header which was saved by Andre Onana, another strike from the Swiss that come off the post and Sander Berge sending a free header over the bar in the second half. This was far from the perfect defensive display, and a side more clinical than Burnley would have punished United.

Getty ImagesFans want attacking football

There was something odd about Ten Hag hailing his side for being disciplined and following the rules, especially in the manner he put it: "When you defend with 11 and you do it in the right moment then it is very difficult to play against Manchester United."

United managers of the past would usually utter the club's name like that after a great comeback from several goals down or an awesome attacking display, not after a narrow 1-0 win against a team in the relegation zone. United's global fanbase did not start following the team due to their defensive might or their adeptness in following rules.

They were attracted by the stories of Sir Matt Busby telling his team it was their duty to entertain fans and give them some respite after a punishing week working down the mines or in the factories. They were lulled by the thrilling wing play of Sir Alex Ferguson's teams of the 1990s, and the star power of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo through the 2000s.

"Attack, attack, attack" is what the Stretford End chants, not "defend, defend, defend". That is why Jose Mourinho was never the right fit for United, despite his knack for winning trophies. United's style of play was renowned around the world, but now the club seems to be suffering from an identity crisis.

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Getty ImagesNothing like Ten Hag's Ajax

Ten Hag was hired by United largely because of his commitment to attacking football with Ajax. In his first full season in charge of the Amsterdam giants in 2018-19, the manager oversaw one of the most breathtaking tales in recent Champions League history. His side outclassed and knocked out then holders Real Madrid, winning 4-1 at Santiago Bernabeu, while also slaying Ronaldo and Juventus in the quarter-finals.

His side were also a joy to watch domestically. In his three full seasons in charge (the 2019-20 season ended prematurely due to Covid-19), they scored an average of 106 goals per campaign. In that remarkable 2018-19 season, they netted 119 goals in just 34 games. His expected goal difference per 90 minutes read +1.73 for that first campaign and +1.93 for the next two.

Contrast that with his United side. Even though the Red Devils finished third last season, they scored just 58 goals in the Premier League, posting a measly expected goals difference per 90 minutes of +0.45. This season they have scored just six goals in six league games while conceding 11, posting an XG of -0.05.

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