Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s late error led to a crucial penalty for Burnley, allowing Zeki Amdouni to equalize and secure a vital point in their relegation battle during the Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s team appeared on course for a win after Antony’s strike in the 79th minute, despite another lackluster performance. However, in a repeat of his season-opening mistake against Wolves, Onana impulsively rushed out to clear the ball, only to collide with an opponent instead.
Referee John Brooks didn’t catch the foul initially, but this time, unlike in the Wolves game, VAR official Peter Bankes intervened. Amdouni, the recipient of Onana’s misjudged punch, expertly deceived the goalkeeper with his penalty kick.
This draw brings Burnley within two points of Nottingham Forest, who they face at Turf Moor on the season’s last day.
The result means United have yet to win consecutive league games since February. New technical director Jason Wilcox was present for the match, which ended to the sound of boos from the home crowd. The disapproval intensified following Ten Hag’s decision to substitute teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after 65 minutes.
A rare good day for Antony
This outcome—and the overall display—didn’t strongly support Erik ten Hag amidst ongoing speculation about his future at Manchester United. This debate includes scrutiny of his transfer decisions.
Ten Hag was a key advocate for signing Antony during the final days of the summer 2022 transfer window. United ended up paying Ajax £82 million for the 24-year-old, making him the club’s second most expensive signing after Paul Pogba. However, Antony’s return of five league goals and three assists this season hardly justifies the hefty expenditure.
During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, there was interest in the winger, but only at a more reasonable price tag of around £30 million. Despite the criticism, Ten Hag defended Antony’s controversial celebration during the FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry, stating his player was reacting to provocation. Yet, with United leading 3-0 at his entry, Antony might have been better off showing restraint.
He had several opportunities to add to his goal tally in this match. Early on, his shot from just outside the box was easily saved by Arijanet Muric. Another attempt missed both the Burnley goalkeeper and the far post. Between these, Antony managed a creative shoulder pass to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, showcasing his confidence to handle a 70-yard pass creatively.
Antony’s self-assurance is commendable under such scrutiny.
Yet, the evaluation of his performance should focus on concrete results. After Alejandro Garnacho’s dynamic run to the goal-line, Antony, from close range, merely tapped the ball to Muric, missing a clear chance to score.
His goal later in the match does merit praise. Reacting quickly to Sander Berge’s misplaced pass, Antony maintained his balance despite an apparent shove from the Burnley player, managing to score.
Onana pays the price
Onana’s challenge on Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic earlier in the season ignited numerous contentious VAR incidents. Fortunately, at the same venue and goal, the technology functioned correctly this time, which is something referees’ chief Howard Webb can appreciate.
Burnley’s manager, Vincent Kompany, will undoubtedly be pleased with the outcome as well.
His team has lost only once in their last eight matches, but the frustration lies in the number of draws during this period, especially since their sole loss came in a crucial match against Everton.
Burnley might have secured more from this game. Onana made a remarkable save to deny Lyle Foster in the first half, and again thwarted the Burnley forward who had breezed past Harry Maguire aiming straight at the United goal.
With no clean sheets in their last 17 games, Kompany’s side was aware that a goalless draw was improbable. Their resilience to bounce back speaks volumes about the positive mindset within the Clarets’ camp.
However, to ensure their survival, Burnley will have to count on mishaps from Forest and Luton in the next three weeks, aiming to reach their final-day clash with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team with a fighting chance of staying up.