Manchester United survived a nervy encounter to claim a 3-2 victory over newly promoted Burnley in the Premier League, thanks to a 95th-minute penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes. The win, United’s first league triumph of the season, moves them off the foot of the table and eases pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.
After a humiliating League Cup exit at fourth-tier Grimsby, United were determined to respond in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd. The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute through a Josh Cullen own goal after sustained pressure, with Casemiro’s header rebounding off the crossbar before hitting Cullen.
Despite several chances in the first half, United’s finishing was wasteful. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who replaced the injured Matheus Cunha, missed a golden opportunity in stoppage time, while Amad Diallo also failed to convert a chance that could have doubled the lead.
Burnley responded early in the second half, with Lyle Foster heading in a simple equaliser from Jacob Bruun Larsen’s cross. Less than two minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo restored United’s advantage with his first league goal for the club, assisted by Diogo Dalot.
However, another goalkeeping lapse from Altay Bayindir allowed Jaidon Anthony to level the score in the 67th minute. With the match heading for a draw, VAR intervened after a foul on Amad Diallo, awarding United a penalty.
Stepping up to the spot, Bruno Fernandes calmly converted into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations at Old Trafford. The skipper’s late strike erased the nerves and ensured three crucial points for United ahead of the international break.
“It is three points, but if you look at the game, we should have solved it in the first half. We are fighting until the last minute because of things we overcomplicate,” said Ruben Amorim. “Look at the first half, we had so many chances. One throw-in, one set piece changes everything sometimes in football.”
