Louis Van Gaal is still awaiting his first win as Manchester United manager after another misfiring display at the home of Premier League new boys Burnley.
Two draws and a defeat from three League games, and humiliated by League One MK Dons in the Capital One Cup, was not what United fans were expecting from the Dutchman.
But Van Gaal appealed for calm as he tries to quickly address United’s weaknesses.
“At this moment, it is certainly not a world class team,” he admitted.
“We have to wait and have belief that it shall happen. But, whatever a manager says, when you have two points from nine it is not good enough.”
A goalless draw at Turf Moor was the most the Red Devils deserved, as the pre-season relegation favourites grabbed their first point of the campaign.
United again resembled a bunch of individuals trying to get to grips with what the new manager wants.
Van Gaal wasted no time in throwing new record British signing Angel di Maria straight into the action following his £59.7million move from Real Madrid. But there was no alternative.
The Argentine was in the centre of midfield alongside Darren Fletcher, with Ashley Young once again forced to play an unfamiliar left-wing back role.
Van Gaal’s three at the back policy, which has come under such intense scrutiny, was retained.
If there is one thing we’re quickly learning about the Dutchman, it is that he has great confidence in himself and his methods.
But United again looked very vulnerable at the back and they had two major scares in the first five minutes.
First, David Jones rattled the crossbar with a free-kick and then David de Gea had to make an important save with his legs from Lukas Jutkiewicz after a badly underhit back-pass from Jonny Evans.
Di Maria may not have spent much time with his new team-mates yet, but he showed his class to create United’s best two chances.
He delivered a terrific lofted ball over the defence for Robin van Persie, with the Dutchman denied by a fine save from Tom Heaton.
United’s new No.7 then had the awareness to spot Juan Mata’s clever run into space in the box, but the Spaniard lost his footing at the vital moment. Yet, those were isolated moments of good play in a very even opening period.
Young could have won a penalty right on half-time when he appeared to be pushed by Kieran Trippier, but previous misdemeanours by the winger probably cost him dear.
Van Persie was twice close to breaking the deadlock in the second period, as his shot was blocked on the line by Dean Marney and he headed over another effort.
But that couldn’t disguise United’s passing, which was awful, with possession given away cheaply all over the pitch. They finished the game stronger, though, because Burnley dropped deep, inviting pressure.
Apart from a Wayne Rooney header from a corner, they failed to create a single chance of note, due to a succession of poor final balls.
And the sight of Di Maria hobbling off clutching his right leg on 70 minutes (replaced by Anderson) and Mata seemingly pulling a hamstring, coming off for Adnan Januzaj with four minutes to go, will be a concern for Van Gaal.
Expect United to be busy between now and the transfer deadline at 11pm on Monday.
Danny Welbeck, who came on for Van Persie on 73 minuites, could be one Red on his way out but versatile Ajax defender Daley Blind should join after a £13.8million fee was agreed.
More will surely arrive. Yet, just as important will be extensive work on the training ground to get used to the manager’s new methods.
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