Ralf Rangnick was happy with the application of his Manchester United players after their 3-1 victory over struggling Burnley.

The Red Devils stormed into a three goal lead inside 35 minutes with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Scott McTominay alongside an own-goal from Ben Mee. Aaron Lennon pulled a goal back but United were able to see out their victory in a relatively comfortable manner. 

On the game

Rangnick notes that he understood the type of test that Burnley would pose and he felt that his players stood up to that task.

"As expected it was a very tough physical game against a team who play very physical," he said. "We also showed the qualities we have in our team. It was important today to raise the energy level.

"The whole team performance was a lot better, I was pleased with the performances of our wingers. Jadon (Sancho) did well and Mason (Greenwood). [Edinson Cavani] and Cristiano (Ronaldo), the work effort was amazing.

"I wouldn't say fourth is the minimum. It is about taking next development steps. Now eight games in a row without a defeat. It is about taking next steps.

"My focus is on the current players and we have enough players in the squad. Transfers in the winter only make sense if they increase the quality. So far we haven't spoken about that."

On eight changes

United were poor against Newcastle United but Rangnick claims that his changes were necessary in the sake of fitness. 

"It was important to bring in some fresh legs and fresh bodies," he said.

"We did not have much time to train in the last couple of weeks. It is about passion and energy and we show that when we play at home.

"This is about sustainably delivering that type of performance."

On Scott McTominay

McTominay got himself on the scoresheet and his shot directly lead to the goal from Ronaldo. However, his manager almost started the match without the Scot. 

Rangnick admitted: "We only decided this afternoon at two o’clock that he will play.

“He had some problems with the ankle contusion that he suffered at Newcastle, so it was good to have him available and in the team. At half-time, our team doctor told me that he will be struggling in the second half. It was very important to have him in the team and in the end he could play the whole 92 or 93 minutes."

“He was a very important player for us today. We played in a 4-4-2 defensively and a 4-2-4 offensively, and I thought it was important to have him and Nemanja (Matic) as the two sixes playing next to each other.”