The Red Devils sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win against the Clarets at Old Trafford.

It was United’s first game back since the World Cup started after a 38-day break for the tournament in Qatar.

The likes of Rashford, Fernandes and Casemiro all competed in the middle-east until the quarter-final stage but they started at Old Trafford against Kompany’s side.

Christian Eriksen put United ahead in the first half when he converted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross, who was slipped in thanks to a fantastic pass from Fernandes.

Rashford then doubled the lead in the second half with a sensational 65-yard run from his own half, which ended with him striking a powerful effort into the bottom corner.

Burnley had plenty of chances of their own but the attacking prowess of United was enough to put Erik ten Hag’s side through.

And Kompany admitted afterwards that Fernandes and Rashford were the difference-makers.

‘I thought that both goals were worked really well,’ said Kompany.

‘The pass from Fernandes is perfect and for Ian (Maatsen), a young full-back, he needs to learn to anticipate these balls. Then as well, the centre-backs, the young centre-backs, are going to learn to anticipate that ball going square again.

‘I thought there was a lot of quality in the pass. Again, the goal we conceded from Rashford was a lot of quality on the counter, and that was always going to be a danger for us.’

United are next in action on the 27th December when they host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire could return for the fixture after Casemiro paired Victor Lindelof in defence against Burnley.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are not expected to return until the New Year following their participation in the World Cup final.