Daley Blind not fretting about Manchester Uniteds lack of goals



October started with Stoke arriving at Old Trafford and leaving with a fortuitous point, with Jose Mourinho's side boasting 67 per cent possession and getting away 24 shots.

The inspired goalkeeping of Lee Grant ensured a 1-1 draw that day, while the man between the posts proved the scourge of United once more when Burnley visited.

United had 37 shots in a match they totally dominated, yet wayward finishing, resolute defending and Tom Heaton's exceptional display in goal saw the one-sided encounter end 0-0.

Mourinho's men have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has gone six league game without scoring for the first time since 2007, with defender Blind perplexed by the final score.

"It is hard to believe," he said

"I think we created 50 chances, maybe more, then it is hard to believe we didn't even score one goal.

"I think we made the keeper that good because we missed chances, he gets more trust and then he gets in his game.

"He's a good goalkeeper today but in spite of that we should have scored a goal, I think

We had so many chances.

"I think as a team the team performance we were positive and a lot of energy we brought into the team.

"We didn't give much away, not even a big chance, so we did well in defence with the team

It's a bit frustrating.

"There isn't that much more you could do more

The only thing is that we had to finish because we were we were on top of them, we didn't give them any space.

"We created chances, we played attacking football and I think that's what the people want to see, only we missed goals today."

It was an enthralling goalless draw given added spice by Jose Mourinho's half-time sending off, which may incur further disciplinary action from the FA for the Portuguese, being followed by Ander Herrera receiving his marching orders for a harsh-looking second booking

The 68th-minute dismissal of the Spanish midfielder punctured United's attacking threat until the closing minutes, yet it is still hard to believe they did not win.

"Even with 10 men, they were so much back into their own box, so we could manage that," Blind told MUTV.

"But of course a sending off always makes it a bit more difficult, but in the end after that we created a few chances.

"It sounds like I am repeating myself but I think it is the story of the game.

"I hope it's just one of those days because we have some great strikers and some great midfielders who can score a goal well.

"I am not worried about that

We just try to see it as one of those days and be very disappointed about it."

The emotions of Blind and his United team-mates contrasted markedly with Heaton and those connected to Burnley.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper left Old Trafford six years ago after progressing through the ranks but having failed to make a first-team appearance.

Heaton returned to haunt United with a remarkable display of agility and quick-thinking, making some exquisite stops among his 11 saves.

"Paul Robinson mentioned it at half-time," Heaton said of the reserve former England and current Burnley back-up goalkeeper.

"He's our most experienced player and he said there won't be many opportunities in your career where you have a chance to get a result at Old Trafford and to make sure.

"It was a brilliant point and that sort of geared us up for the second half and you could see how we went about it.

"The heart and desire on show, the hard work, and putting bodies on the line was incredible

To play behind that was brilliant.

"It was a superb performance and the fans today were brilliant from start to finish.

"It was a brilliant day and one we're going to savour

A lot has been made of our away performances so far and we wanted to put that right.

"I thought the performance was much more like us and lo and behold we've come away with a great point and an excellent clean sheet

Hopefully we can kick on from here away from home."

Source : PA

Source: PA