Even United boss Louis van Gaal offered some praise to Burnley after the game. He said: "The first half was not a good performance, they pressed us and we could not beat that. We could not keep the ball and they were better.
"I want to give all the credit to Burnley, but we scored out of set plays and we train for that also, so I'm happy we were 2-1 at half time because I could reorganise my team a little bit.
"The second half was better, not a lot better, but a little bit better and we could benefit more from the weaknesses of the opponent.
"I have said also to the players when you win such matches mostly it means we have a good team, so we have to forget this match I think because it was not the best match.
"For the process it was not a good match but I don't think every match is not attractive and we are not playing attacking football. I don't agree with you, but today you are right."
There is no doubt we did not deserve that scoreline and Sean Dyche said afterwards: "This game does kick you in the rear sometimes and I thought it did tonight. I thought we were outstanding for most of the game and I think everyone in the stadium was amazed they went in at half time 2-1 up with the quality of our football and the chances we created.
"We are getting hurt for the details at the moment and it's happened to us a few times this season, but that's the growth in the players you need; to smell danger because at this level you get punished because games can turn on almost nothing."
He continued: "We've conceded again from set plays; this time from the second phase. We had a little spell of it at the start of the season and then it went away, but it's crept back in the last few games.
"But we will rectify that on the training field and you have to remember the quality of the balls coming in and the physicality of some of the players we are playing against. That's one thing we can't change about our players, but that can't tarnish that performance tonight because when I talk about growth, belief and development in the players, I think it's quite evident tonight.
"To come to Old Trafford and handle what it is, but also play in that manner was terrific, but you don't get anything for it and that's something we have to change and turn that into results. We are so close, but so close is not close enough."
There was a final word for goalscorer Danny Ings. "I could go right through the team, but I thought Danny was exceptional again," he said.
"He had a great chance just after half time, but he was terrific all night. People keep talking about the England side and I can see why because that was Danny Ings on top form.
"I made it clear he would be here and enjoying what he does and he was excellent at the weekend and again tonight."