Man United give early birthday present to Alex Ferguson with routine win over Burnley

Alex Ferguson turns 80 on Friday and Old Trafford unfurled a huge banner before kick-off wishing him a happy birthday

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal. Picture: AP Photo/Rui Vieira

Man United 3 Burnley 1

The birthday celebrations for Alex Ferguson were a timely reminder of how far his beloved Manchester United have fallen in the nine years since his retirement but at least he was able to start his ninth decade with them in the top six of the Premier League.