Pogba scores decisive goal
Paul Pogba’s volley saw Manchester United narrowly beat Burnley 1-0 and go top of the Premier League for the first time at the turn of the year since 2012/13.
Marcus Rashford picked out the Frenchman to volley past Nick Pope with the help of a deflection in the 71st minute.
There was controversy in the first half as Luke Shaw and Robbie Brady avoided red cards despite a long VAR review.
Harry Maguire’s goal was also contentiously ruled out for an apparent foul on Erik Pieters.
Burnley pushed for an equaliser in the final minutes, but ended the game without a shot on target.
Stats
United have won nine of their last 11 league games since losing to Arsenal in November. That defeat left them in 15th.
The 20-time champions are now unbeaten in 15 Premier League away games, winning 12 of them. Their last away defeat came against Liverpool a year ago. That defeat saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side go 30 points behind their rivals.
After 17 games last season, United were 6th on 25 points, 24 points behind Liverpool. At the same stage this season they have 36 points and are three points clear of Liverpool – who they face on Sunday.
The Red Devils won for the fifth successive time at Turf Moor, and have not conceded in their last six visits.
What it means
The win means United have a three-point lead at the top, while Burnley stay 16th – five points above the drop zone.
Featured image: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 0-1 with Luke Shaw during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)