Player Ratings: Burnley 0-1 Manchester United

After failing to register a shot on goal in the first-half, Anthony Martial produced another moment of brilliance to give United all three points. It was a day for some solid defending; Phil Jones was excellent, Smalling improved in the second-half and Martial was the difference-maker. Here are our player ratings:

David De Gea: 6

The United number one has now got five consecutive clean sheets stretching back to boxing day. It appears the backline has found its defensive form that was seen in the early stages of the season. De Gea was rarely tested by a struggling Burnley attack.

Antonio Valencia: 6

The captain differed to his adventurous nature last week, opting for a more defensive mindset, but effectively put Scott Arfield out of the game.

Phil Jones: 7.5

Burnley only had two shots on goal and much can be put down to the two central defenders. Jones continues his consistent form and produced another solid performance. He made some important blocks, interceptions and was brilliant in the air.

Chris Smalling: 6.5

Smalling struggled somewhat in the first-half and had to be bailed out by Jones on one occasion. Nevertheless, the defender recovered and was excellent in the second-half, producing an important block to prevent a certain goal for Ashley Barnes.

Ashley Young: 6

Young was selected over Shaw for this match and offered an attacking instinct, particularly in the first-half. A brilliant bit of skill almost gained him a goal too, but his finish was just wide of the target. He faced a handful defensively with in-form Gudmundsson probing on the right-hand side.

Nemanja Matić: 5.5

The big Serb produced a steady performance without wowing. His vintage break-up of play allowed Pogba to venture forward more while he gave cover to the backline. His passing was off at times though.

Paul Pogba: 6

After setting such high standards for himself, Pogba wasn’t at his best on Saturday. He was frustrated early on with decisions against him and that seemed to affect the rest of his game. Still, he was United’s outlet for much of the match, offering a creative source.

Juan Mata: 4.5

If there was a game for Mata to shine, this was it. However, after a reasonably bright start, the Spaniard struggled and his influence faded in the game. He looks to be the most likely man to make way for Alexis Sánchez.

Jesse Lingard: 6

A quiet performance for Lingard after hitting an amazing run of form in the last few weeks. He failed to really produce anything but still looked to get on the ball create.

Anthony Martial: 7.5 (Man of the Match)

It was a somewhat frustrating first-half for Martial, who had Phil Bardsley pressing him at all occasions. In a game situation where we have seen him fade before, he excelled. He always looked like United’s most likely player to produce, and he did shortly after the break. His finish was emphatic and left Pope no chance in goal.

Romelu Lukaku: 6.5

Lukaku failed to test Nick Pope at all today, and was often isolated and frustrated up-front. His work-rate was still admirable and he did brilliantly to assist Martial for the goal.

Marouane Fellaini (Sub, 72’): 6

Came on for Mata 70 minutes in, offered reassurance in the midfield as United looked to hold on to the 1-0 lead.

Marcus Rashford (Sub, 80’): N/A

Came on with ten minutes left, too late for a rating.

Ander Herrera (Sub, 90’): N/A

Came on in injury time, too late for a rating.

José Mourinho: 7

A vintage Mourinho performance. He set up an almost unchanged line-up, apart from Ashley Young for Luke Shaw. In what could best be described as an efficient showing, Mourinho’s men knew that they had to win and did it without a tantalizing performance.