Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final, had been expected to lose his job if the Red Devils failed to win for the first time in five outings.

Independiente went ahead in the 21st minute when Daniel Montenegro found Colombian striker Jose Moreno, who beat the offside trap and fired past Cristian Alvarez.

Montenegro also set up the second in the 90th minute when he broke down the right and pulled the ball back for Hernan Fredes to tap in from close range.

Central had former Argentina international Kily Gonzalez sent off in the 83rd minute for kicking Adrian Calello.

Independiente, who began the weekend 19th in the 20-team table, have four points from five games, eight points behind leaders Arsenal who visit River Plate on Sunday.