Player ratings as Pogba attack sends Red Devils to the lead

Manchester United took the lead in the Premier League as Paul Pogba’s deflected volley in the second half gave them a 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.

The first half was dominated by the VAR controversy and nothing else. First, Robbie Brady’s yellow card – which was being verified for a possible red – was overturned when a Luke Shaw foul was spotted in the build-up.

Shortly after, Harry Maguire had his head ruled out by referee Kevin Friend as technology failed to reverse what looked like a tough decision.

After the break United improved a lot and got their reward when Pogba took over Marcus Rashford’s cross via a Matt Lowton deflection.

Here are the ratings of Turf Moor players …

Nick Pope (GK) – 7/10 – An exceptional save by Anthony Martial in the first half. It was impressive and there was nothing he could do against the goal.

Matt Lowton (RB) – 6/10 – A pretty solid display. He had no chance to deflect Pogba’s shot past Pope.

James Tarkowski (CB) – 6/10 – Did his job well, dealing with bullets in the air and on the ground. Fluffed a huge chance to equalize in the dying moments.

Ben Mee (CB) – 7/10 – His aerial kick to try and keep Maguire’s head out was nothing short of heroic.

Erik Pieters (LB) – 5/10 – His soft score allowed Rashford all the time in the world to pick Pogba for the goal.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (RM) – 6/10 – One of the only Burnley players to attempt to travel with the ball, but ultimately to no avail.

Josh Brownhill (CM) – 6/10 – Did well to limit United’s progress in the first half, racking up two interceptions. Had a hard time containing Pogba and Fernandes after the break.

Ashley Westwood (CM) – 6/10 – As above, although he went about his business in a less catchy way.

Robbie Brady (LM) – 6/10 – His last minute tackle in the first half was magnificent. One of his only remarkable contributions.

Chris Wood (ST) – 5/10 – His only good chance was well blocked by Bailly. Hungry for service.

Ashley Barnes (ST) – 5/10 – I worked hard and tried to fight for possession in the deep areas. Didn’t have much joy.

Dwight McNeil – 5/10 – Has trouble asserting himself.

Matej Vydra – 6/10 – Adding a bit of dynamism to Burnley’s offense after his arrival, however, was over-excited and grabbed at his chances.

Jay Rodriguez – N / A

David de Gea (GK) – 6/10 – Very little to do. Did not even make a backup.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – 6/10 – Not caused any defensive problems. It was good to move forward.

Eric Bailly (CB) – 8/10 – Makes several important blocks to keep the Clarets at bay. Very impressive stuff.

Harry Maguire (CB) – 7/10 – The referee refused a brilliant goal with a header before the break. Maybe lucky not to be penalized for handball.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 7/10 – Previous decisions suggest he should have seen some red for his first-half challenge. Whipped a few dangerous balls, including the one for Maguire’s unauthorized goal.

Nemanja Matic (CM) – 7/10 – He kept things running and offered protection on the rare occasions Burnley countered.

Paul Pogba (CM) – 8/10 – When he crossed the lines he was unplayable. His goal was also superb.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) – 6/10 – Some nifty passes and turns in the second half after a slow start. Was a little too eager to shoot at times.

Anthony Martial (RW) – 6/10 – Denied a great goal by Pope just before the break. Rejected a few half-chances thereafter. His late hamstring injury is a concern ahead of Liverpool’s game.

Edinson Cavani (ST) – 6/10 – Cannot convert a single opportunity right after the break. It wasn’t his day in front of goal.

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 7/10 – Struggled to click with teammates for much of the game but compensated with a precise cross which led to Pogba’s goal.

Mason Greenwood – 6/10 – Not enough time to get involved.

Scott McTominay – N / A

Axel Tuanzebe – N / A