Burnley 1-1 Manchester United: 5 talking points as wasteful United drop points with Ronaldo starting on the bench | EPL 2021-22

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo benched again as United struggled in the final third

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United's top scorer across all competitions this season but did not find a place in the starting XI against Burnley. It made sense to rest key players against the last-placed side in the league. But Rangnick should've brought Ronaldo on a bit earlier after Burnley's early equalizer in the second half.

United did not record a single shot on target in the second half and Ronaldo, who played for just 22 minutes in the game, could not make a difference. Having failed to score here, he is now on the longest goal-scoring drought since 2010.

While failing to score in five games is not a big deal, Ronaldo's consistency and goal-scoring prowess makes it look like a big number. The 37-year-old will likely start in the game against Southampton and return to goal-scoring ways soon.

---

#2 Paul Pogba scores his first goal in over a year

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League

Paul Pogba scored his first Premier League goal in 384 days to give Manchester United a lead in the 18th minute. It was a sublime finish from the Frenchman, reminding everyone of his technical abilities.

He received the ball from a smart cutback from Shaw inside the box. Rather than taking a couple of touches to get in a better goalscoring position, he produced a first-time finish from his right foot into the top-right corner. This was the Frenchman's first goal across all competitions, having assisted seven goals so far.

---

#1 Manchester United denied two goals in the first half

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United thought they had bagged an early goal in the 13th minute when Raphael Varane headed in his effort following a free-kick. While the Frenchman was onside going into his header his defensive partner Maguire was adjudged offside and interfering with play as he blocked Rodriguez in the buildup.

A lengthy VAR consultation resulted in the goal being ruled out much to the joy of the home fans before Pogba scored just five minutes later. Just when the Red Devils thought they had doubled their advantage, Josh Brownhill's deflected own goal was ruled out. The decision came after officials deemed Pogba's challenge on Ben Mee as a foul.

It also did not help their cause as Edinson Cavani missed from close range and the creativity took a hit after the break. Rangnick needs to improve upon the attacking output heading into the last leg of the 2021-22 campaign