Manchester United scrambled a draw against Burnley - as Jose Mourinho's side stumbled once again in their pursuit of Manchester City.

Burnley came close to winning at Old Trafford for the first time since September 1962, but a late goal from Jesse Lingard - his second of the game - cancelled out strikes fro Ashley Barnes and Steven Defour.

For Jose Mourinho's side, the draw was a bitter setback in their seemingly futile pursuit of Pep Guardiola's City, who can extend their lead to 16 points with a win at Newcastle tomorrow.

Substitute Lingard pulled a goal back for United early in the second-half, and earned a point for Mourinho's side with 90th-minute strike.

Ashley Barnes opened the scoring (
Image:
REUTERS)
Defour put Burnley 2-0 up (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)
Lingard scores a cheeky backheel (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)
And the England midfielder would also net a late equaliser (
Image:
AFP)

Here are five talking points from Old Trafford:

1. Lukaku at fault again defensively

Lukaku played his part in a Burnley goal (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Romelu Lukaku was culpable for both of Manchester City's goals in United's 2-1 derby defeat earlier this month, and was at fault again for Burnley's opener.

Lukaku got himself into a tangle trying to clear the ball, allowing Ashley Barnes to seize on it and steer the ball into the net.

Given Lukaku is such a liability in his own area, it might make sense for Mourinho to put him upfield for set-pieces, rather than deploying him to defend his own goal, a task he struggles to carry out.

2. Rojo banned after fifth booking in as many games

Another yellow for the Argentine (
Image:
REUTERS)

Marcos Rojo is always liable to pick up bookings, because of his no-holds barred, full throttle approach to defending, but even by his standards, getting a yellow card after one minute, his fifth in as many Premier League games since his comeback from a long-term injury lay-off, was some going.

With Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly injured, Mourinho can ill-afford to be without central defenders, but will have to do without Rojo for Saturday's visit of Southampton.

3. Jose's gamble on Ibrahimovic fails

Ibrahimovic struggled on his first start (
Image:
Getty)

Mourinho insisted ahead of the game that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having only just returned to action following a seven month injury lay-off, was ready to start games, but it was patently clear early on that the iconic striker was well off the pace.

Having started Zlatan and Romelu Lukaku for the first time together, Mourinho swallowed his pride at the break and took off the former, as well as Rojo.

The gamble on Zlatan failed to come off and the worry is whether he will ever be an effective front man again, after a career-threatening injury at 35.

4. Mourinho looking increasingly bereft and unhappy

Another grey day for Jose (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Jose Mourinho's side will slip 16 points behind leaders Manchester City if Pep Guardiola's side win at Newcastle tomorrow, a humiliating position for one of the most decorated coaches in world football and the man entrusted with taking United back to the status of champions.

After a promising start to the season, laden with goals, United have lacked the clinical edge displayed by their 'noisy neighbours', with Mourinho's pragmatic approach looking dated when set alongside the champagne football played by City.

Mourinho has also looked sullen and unhappy this season which lends credence to the growing belief he may be off in the summer. Afternoons like this serve only to fuel that perception, with Paris St Germain an obvious destination.

5. Burnley's collective industry outstanding again

Steven Defour and Ben Mee celebrate for Burnley (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Sean Dyche's side have been the surprise package of the season, defying the odds to elbow their way among the Premier League's elite and push for a place in Europe.

Here, they showcased their very best traits – organisation, application and a collective work ethic few other teams in the Premier League can match.

Both their goals came from set-pieces and while the Clarets' approach may be rudimentary and lacking in aesthetic value, the ends justify the means, with Dyche's men deservedly where they are in the table.

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