Antony Martial grabbed the winner for Manchester United as they edged out Burnley at Turf Moor.
Good work from Romelu Lukaku released his teammate Martial, who found the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar with a cracking right-foot shot.
Burnley almost equalised immediately when Johann Gudmundsson's free kick beat the wall and David De Gea, only to rattle off the woodwork.
The hosts pressed in the closing stages but united held on to close the gap to City down to nine points.
Burnley: Pope, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Cork, Defour, Berg Gudmundsson, Hendrick, Arfield, Barnes
Subs: Lowton, Nkoudou, Westwood, Wells, Lindegaard, Long, Vokes
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Young; Matic, Pogba; Mata, Lingard, Martial; Lukaku
Subs: Romero, Rojo, Shaw, Fellaini, Herrera, McTominay, Rashford
Wenger on Sanchez
Arsene Wenger has revealed how close Arsenal are to completing the swap transfer of Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Both players were missing from their respective squads on Saturday as the Red Devils and the Gunners claimed three points.
Sanchez trained with the Arsenal first team on Friday and was set to be a part of the squad that faced Crystal Palace on Saturday.
However, Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel last night just before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.
Read more here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsene-wenger-reveals-how-close-11885451
Sanchez latest
Jose Mourinho has provided an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.
Following the Red Devils’ victory over Burnley on Saturday, Mourinho said: “If you ask me if I think he is coming, I think so, but I have no confirmation.
“Expect soon or never. So close, so close, so close, if it doesn’t happen it is not going to happen. I know my people doing absolutely everything they can. I think they will be successful.”
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Manchester United player ratings
Anthony Martial saved Manchester United at Turf Moor to secure the points at Alexis Sanchez’s move from Arsenal awaits completion.
The Frenchman continued his fine form, though the Red Devils’ attack failed to click.
Sean Dyche will argue that his side deserved a point with Johan Berg Gudmundsson hitting the bar.
The win ensures City must win to avoid letting their rivals back into the title race.
Here are the Manchester Evening News’ player ratings.
David de Gea 5
His kicking was suspect at times and he unnecessarily palmed Ben Mee’s header over to give Burnley a corner.
Antonio Valencia 6
On a day where Juan Mata was anonymous, Valencia was curiously unadventurous and did not offer an additional outlet on the right flank.
Chris Smalling 6
Haphazardly hacked at the ball regularly to encourage Burnley’s artisans. Was bailed out early on by Phil Jones but improved in second-half.
Phil Jones 7
Intervened a couple of times early on and was vigilant whenever Burnley embarked on counter-attacks. Another solid display.
Read more here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/burnley-0-1-manchester-united-11885050
5 talking points
Anthony Martial smashed home the only goal to make it four straight wins for Manchester United as they prepare to welcome Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford.
Martial finished confidently off the underside of the bar on 54 minute after he was picked out by Romelu Lukaku to end Burnley’s stubborn and determined resistance.
United were unconvincingly for periods of the game as they struggled to break down Burnley’s well-drilled defence and Jose Mourinho will feel that Sanchez will make a difference to their attack.
They have reduced the gap on Manchester City to nine points ahead of the Blues’ home clash with Newcastle this evening and have now gone 504 minutes without conceding.
Although the loss extended Burnley’s winless run to eight games, they could argue they deserved something for their efforts and Johan Berg Gudmundsson hit the bar.
Read the full report here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/burnley-0-1-manchester-united-11884370
Full time: Burnley 0-1 Manchester United
The final whistle blows here and Manchester United have grabbed all three points. It was a close contest here at Turf Moor, only separated by Antony Martial’s second half strike. Romelu Lukau picked the ball up on the right hand side before switching the ball to Martial on the left. Martial cut inside and unleashed a great strike at goal which cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and in. Burnley came close to equalising shortly after when Johann Gudmunsson rattled the crossbar from a free-kick, but United held on to secure the win and take the points back to Old Trafford.
Close contest here at Turf Moor
GOAL! Burley 0-1 Man United
United have broken the deadlock here and Antony Martial has got it. Good play from Romelu Lukaku down the right before he played a great switch of play to Martial. The Frenchman then crashed a right footed strike off the underside of the crossbar and in to put United in front.
Half time: Burnley 0-0 Manchester United
That draws to an end the first half here at Turf Moor, and it’s hardly been a classic. Both teams have struggled to muster any real attempts on goal with David De Gea facing just two shots on target, whilst the visitors haven’t even managed one. Burnley have seen more of the ball but they are yet to turn that into anything more prosperous. Still all to play for.
Burnley on top
The home side are dominating possession but can’t make it count. Very little to note in terms of shots and chances at goal.
Still goalless here
Both sides doing their final preparations before kick off
Preparing for battle
United arrive at Turf Moor
Barnes leads the line for the Clarets
United team is in as Mkhitaryan misses out
Sanchez scarves on sale at Old Trafford
Manchester United fans can get their hands on Alexis Sanchez merchandise ahead of the Chilean’s move from Arsenal.
There was a dramatic breakthrough in the transfer saga on Friday night ahead of the switch.
Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.
Sanchez was due to be in the Arsenal squad after Arsene Wenger named 19 players but then got pulled out and said his goodbyes to his team mates after a breakthrough in negotiations.
It appears Arsenal forced United’s hand by picking him but he then dropped out after a dramatic late twist.
Read the full story: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/alexis-sanchez-scarves-sale-old-11882847
Barcelona chase United target Griezmann
Barcelona have issued a statement in response to reports linking them to Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann.
Earlier today, Sport claimed the Catalans had struck a secret deal to sign France international Griezmann, 26, in summer.
However, in something of an unprecedented move, Barcelona swiftly issued a statement via their website, denying any such deal has been agreed.
It reads: “The FC Barcelona categorically denies the reports in the last hours in different media referring to Atletico Madrid Antoine Griezmann and alleged links to our club.
Read the full story here: - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/barcelona-respond-claims-theyve-struck-11882612
Live stream details, TV info, team news, odds and more
Scott Arfield could return to the Burnley line-up fafter shrugging off a hamstring strain sustained in the New Year’s Day defeat to Liverpool.
Arfield’s return would be a major boost to Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who will be without striker Jon Walters for up to eight weeks after the 34-year-old underwent knee surgery.
Defender Stephen Ward (knee) and striker Chris Wood (leg) are both making good progress but will not be in contention this weekend, while Tom Heaton (shoulder) and Robbie Brady (knee) remain long-term absentees.
Manchester United will of course not be able to call on Sanchez, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan may also not feature as he weighs up a move to Arsenal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick all remain sidelined.
Follow this link for details about the match, what time it starts, where you can watch it and more.
United linked with move for PSG's Lucas Moura
PSG have reportedly put a £30 million price tag on midfielder Lucas Moura as Manchester United prepare to make a bid for the Brazil intenational.
Moura was seen as a hot prospect when PSG forked out £42 million to prise him away from Sao Paulo in 2012.
But the 25-year-old has barely played this season, making just six appearances, and now looks set to leave the club.
Manchester United have been put on red alert as they look to add further to their attacking options, and France Football report that PSG are looking to recoup at least £30 million of their initial investment to let Moura go.
Read the full story here - https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/psg-name-price-lucas-moura-11882643
Alexis Sanchez is set for his Manchester United medical today after a dramatic breakthrough in his transfer saga.
Mirror Sport understands Sanchez left Arsenal’s team hotel last night just before 11pm and was bound for Manchester to complete his move to Old Trafford.
Sanchez was due to be in the Arsenal squad after Arsene Wenger named 19 players but then got pulled out and said his goodbyes to his team mates after a breakthrough in negotiations.
It appears Arsenal forced United’s hand by picking him but he then dropped out after a dramatic late twist.
Henrik Mkhitaryan is also set to join Arsenal after saying his goodbyes after training on Friday and was left out of the United squad.