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Manchester United showed key difference to last season vs Burnley -'It wasn't about tactics'

Manchester United left it late to beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the win over Burnley

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the win over Burnley(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)

Manchester United produced the perfect reaction to their shocking Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby in midweek. That is the view of former Liverpool midfielder and Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy, who believes United put in a performance to "get the fans on side" in their 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday.

United head coach Ruben Amorim has come under pressure this week following the defeat to Grimsby but Murphy was full of praise for United's response at Old Trafford.

"There was a lot of criticism after the Grimsby performance, and rightly so, for the manager and the players and I think what all of the Manchester United supporters wanted to see today was a reaction," Murphy told Match of the Day.

"In the intensity, in the passion, in the desire and the quality and they certainly got that first half. They should have been out of sight.

"There were many good performances and it wasn't about tactics. It was simply about who wants to work hard, make tackles, close people down and then who has the courage to play courageous passes, try and open the team up and risk making mistakes. If you are going to do that, you will get the fans on side."

An own goal from Josh Cullen and goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes secured United's first win of the season, despite Burnley twice coming from behind to equalise.

And Murphy was quick to point out the difference he has seen between United last season and their performances so far this season.

"They have got more legs," Murphy added.

"If you look at the starting line-up, if you think of (Mason) Mount, he has always been good without the ball. Cunha and Mbeumo are quick and strong so you can be more athletic.

"I have got to give United credit. When you go 2-2 at home, and the crowd get a bit deflated, they went again and pushed on and they got the winner at the end."

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