Things we noticed in United's win over Burnley

Erik ten Hag's side comfortably controlled the game from start to finish, and never really looked troubled by the Clarets, who currently occupy top spot in the Championship.

Of course, Eriksen's superbly worked opener and Rashford's sublime second will steal the headlines, but what else stood out in this match?

Read on to find out more...

CASEMIRO'S VERSATILITY

Since coming into the side, Casemiro has been an incredibly influential enforcer in the heart of the United midfield. But with Harry Maguire missing the game against Burnley due to an illness, and centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez having not returned from the World Cup yet, Erik had few options to partner Victor Lindelof in defence.

The Brazilian dropped into the defence for this one, pairing with Lindelof superbly and also using his impressive passing ability to start attacks from the back too. Casemiro fed the likes of Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the wider areas, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Eriksen in the middle. Add to that an acrobatic goal-line clearance towards the end of the first half, and a clean sheet, and Casemiro can be very pleased with his evening's work.

SMALLER CROWD, BIG ATMOSPHERE

The attendance at Old Trafford was lower than our usual sellout for this tie, and yet the United fans let themselves be known. Songs like 'I see the Stretford End arising' and 'We are the Busby Boys' rang throughout the Theatre of Dreams from beginning to end, marking the return to club football for United. But the Burnley fans were in full voice as well. The away stand was packed and the Clarets' fans hardly stopped. In the latter stages of the match, with United 2-0 up and the tempo of the match dying down, the Old Trafford faithful remained behind the Reds, carrying them through to the final whistle with fantastic vocals, right to the end.

BACK-TO-BACK GOALS FOR ERIKSEN

Christian Eriksen’s first goal for the Reds came against Fulham on 13 November; our last Premier League tie before the World Cup. One month later, in today's match against Burnley, the Danish playmaker scored in our first game back at Old Trafford too.

Eriksen showed great movement in the box to latch on to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s volleyed cross, and fantastic composure to tuck it in. This running from deep was also praised by Ten Hag, as well as the entire move for the opener. A superb team move, capped by Eriksen second goal in just two games for the Reds.

MORE MARCUS MAGIC

After having an impressive World Cup, Rashford once again showed his talents in a United shirt this season. After keeping Burnley defenders on their toes with his forward runs all night, his piece of individual brilliance has sent Old Trafford rocking. The winger picked the ball up a long distance from goal and carried it powerful, before dancing through the defenders and finishing emphatically.

Marcus's tally for the season is nine in all competitions. With the second half of the season just beginning, who knows how many goals United’s number 10 can get by the end of the campaign.

TACTICAL FLUIDITY

In addition to Casemiro playing at centre-back for the full 90 minutes, Erik also made some alterations to his formation during this match. After starting the game with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation that United have adopted under the Dutchman, the Reds went with a different approach after going 2-0 up.

For a short period, we saw Anthony Martial and Rashford operate as a front two, with Antony and Bruno Fernandes in the wider positions, in what looked like a 4-4-2 shape. We have seen Erik utilise a formation with two strikers before this term, particularly in the Europa League, and it could possibly be something we see him return to in the future.