United self-destruct again as Burnley win late penalty

Erik ten Hag objects when his Manchester United are described as a disgrace or an embarrassment, so there may be a need for a more measured turn of phrase. But this was an indictment: of a club, a team and a manager. United showcased their self-destructive streak again, suggesting no lead is safe when they possess it, and dropped two points.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Manchester United 1

Dos Santos (79)

Burnley 1

Amdouni (87 pen)

An afternoon that appeared to offer rare vindication for Ten Hag’s policy of recruiting anyone who had ever played for Ajax instead brought rather mixed returns.

Antony has rarely offered much solace as a signing but his belated first league goal in 32 league games and 378 days was shaping up as the winner when Andre Onana, who had produced a contender for save of the season, then delivered a second costly mistake in as many games. Zeki Amdouni scored the penalty he conceded and Burnley’s recent renaissance continued. They have only lost once in eight matches.

United ended a week unbeaten but with a body of work over the last three fixtures that has showcased their flaws and frailties. They gave up a three-goal advantage to Championship Coventry, twice trailed to Championship-bound Sheffield United and were the inferior side for swathes of the game against a Burnley side who could be in the Championship next season.

If nothing else, the last week suggests United have the makings of an upper-half Championship side. They may instead be bound for the Europa Conference League after a day when Newcastle loosened their hold on sixth place.