Manchester United finally registered their first win of the season under manager Ruben Amorim, but it came in dramatic fashion as Bruno Fernandes converted a 97th-minute penalty to seal a 3-2 victory over newly-promoted Burnley at Old Trafford.
The victory was a crucial lifeline for Amorim, who has been under immense scrutiny after United’s shocking League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby earlier in the week. Despite twice surrendering the lead, United escaped with three points when VAR confirmed a foul on Amad Diallo, allowing Fernandes—who missed from the spot in last weekend’s draw at Fulham—to deliver under pressure.
The three points lift United to four from their opening three Premier League fixtures, easing some of the heat on Amorim ahead of the upcoming international break. The midweek humiliation against Grimsby had been the first time in the club’s history they were eliminated by a League Two side, leaving the Portuguese coach openly questioning his future with statements like, “something has to change” and that he would “think things through.”
In response, Amorim dropped Andre Onana after the goalkeeper’s costly errors, giving Martin Dubravka the chance to start. Big-money signing Benjamin Sesko was again benched, as Amorim opted for caution. United began aggressively, eager to make amends to their supporters, with Dubravka denying Bryan Mbeumo an early opener.
Mason Mount thought he had earned United a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision. The breakthrough came instead via an own goal, with Casemiro’s header bouncing back off the bar before ricocheting in off Burnley’s Josh Cullen.
Amad Diallo should have doubled the advantage but failed to convert from close range. That miss proved costly when Burnley equalised through Lyle Foster, who latched onto Jacob Bruun Larsen’s cross.
United responded immediately, with Mbeumo showing sharp movement to head in Diogo Dalot’s delivery—his first goal since making a £65 million switch from Brentford. But defensive fragility returned to haunt Amorim’s side as Burnley struck back again. Altay Bayindir initially denied Foster, but Jaidon Anthony pounced on a rebound to level matters once more.
Amorim turned to Sesko in search of a winner, but the Slovenian wasted two headed opportunities. Just as the match looked destined for a draw, VAR intervened, awarding United a penalty for a pull on Diallo. Fernandes, undeterred by past misses, buried the spot-kick to rescue his team and his embattled manager.
The result leaves Burnley with three points from their opening three games, while United head into the break with a sense of relief after avoiding further crisis.
What you should know
Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty not only secured Manchester United’s first league win of the season but also provided a much-needed reprieve for manager Ruben Amorim after a turbulent week.
The victory keeps United steady amid criticism, but ongoing defensive lapses highlight the challenges that still lie ahead for the Portuguese coach.
